Vocabulary Vs Grammar: What’s More Vital?

Vocabulary Vs Grammar

For anyone who has basic knowledge of English, it’s easier for them to understand that grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation are all the pillars of this subject. Any building cannot stand long with a weak base; similarly, a piece of writing cannot withhold its content if vocabulary and grammar are not accordingly.

Since the two of them go hand in hand, it’s essential for us to consider the two aspects of English while writing anything. Too much poor vocabulary or grammar will push you to redo your mental process, as it will distract you from concentrating on the article’s theme. Thus, to avoid this discomfort and if you want the audience to comprehend your message, it’s safe to say that good vocabulary and correct grammar play a vital role.

Grammar the Foundation of English

The principles that control language are known as grammar. As previously stated, understanding words are great, but until you know how to put them together, they are simply words. We all can spot grammar rebels far and wide. They consider them so because language rules are rigid, fundamental, and arbitrary. However, grammar is both complicated and necessary: Incorrect language may confuse others and influence how they comprehend the text. For suppose you are learning adjectives that begin with L, and now that you have utterly understood the meaning of the adjective but have placed it wrong, your sentence would be viewed as faulty until you fix its grammar issues.

Therefore, even if you write an e-mail to your client or a letter to your friend, checking grammar is essential to avoid misunderstandings or future mistakes.

Role of Vocabulary

Grammar is traditionally taught first, followed by vocabulary. The items in the vocabulary list were just vehicles for explaining grammatical concepts. In other words, this method of instruction prioritizes form and only employs linguistic elements as demonstrations of previously taught structures—this reason why in most traditional textbooks, grammar is presented first, succeeded by reading and vocabulary.

Because vocabulary is the bedrock of all languages, it is crucial. It’s the basic materials with which we may communicate our thoughts and ideas, share information, comprehend others, and strengthen personal bonds, but one must know its meaning to put their thoughts into words suitably.

While syntax can aid in the formation of text meaning, the glossary is without a doubt the path to interpreting a text’s meaning. Try reading a book with most of the terms new to you, and you’ll see that the lexicon plays a significant role in grasping information.

The Relation between Grammar and Vocabulary

In accordance with the preceding statement, grammar and vocabulary are taught separately, yet they still happen or occur together.

How often does it happen that we try our best to write a perfect essay, composition, or analysis on any topic, but we still score lesser marks in our English quizzes or assignments? Quite a number of times! That’s because either we have used the wrong tenses or are lacking in good vocabulary that matches our level.

In line with this, it’s important to emphasize both things rather than just focusing on one of them because it will eventually lead to disappointment. You need to master both vocabulary and grammar when learning a language. You might know a lot of words in a language, but you’ll never be able to speak it until you know how to connect them.

Let’s Prove

When it comes to learning the English language, people spend hours and hours cramming syntax rules and practicing tons of exercises until they get the hang of it. But little did they know that developing vocabulary is just as necessary as becoming a pro at grammar.

Not convinced yet? Analyze the given example;

“I will eat ambrosial fish for dinner and drank pasteurized milk.”

The above statement contains two adjectives that may prompt readers to consult a dictionary, indicating a solid vocabulary, but the sentence contains several grammatical errors, thus eliminating its substance

“I will eat fish and drink milk for dinner.”

Here the sentence is grammatically correct, but it’s not that attractive. Consequently, semantics and lexicon together make up the English language.

You can’t study vocabulary effectively until you understand grammar. Grammar cannot be learned without first learning vocabulary. Hence proved that they both are equally important, and you can’t learn a language until you know both of them.