The importance of vocabulary skills

Question

Do you agree with the following statements?
1) Vocabulary matters much more than grammar to use a language.
2) The more vocabulary a learner knows how to use correctly the easier it is to convey a thought in a language in speaking, in writing and to understand the reading and listening content.

KrisBlueNZ · Accepted Answer

1) Vocabulary matters much more than grammar ~~to use a language~~.
2) The more vocabulary a learner knows how to use correctly, (comma here) the easier it is for him or her to convey a thought ~~in a language~~ in ~~speaking,~~ speech in and writing, (comma here) and to understand subtleties of meaning ~~the~~ when reading and listening ~~content~~.

I disagree with (1): I wouldn't say either is more important, really. You can't really compare them.
I agree with (2). Having a wide vocabulary enables you to express yourself more accurately, subtly, and concisely.

Anonymous · Answer

In many cases a learner's message with some grammatical mistakes could be understood. But without vocabulary knowledge it's impossible to express one's thoughts and to understand a message. Often it is not possible to guess vocabulary meanings in context correctly and precisely.

Eszter · Answer

Already with words can you make yourself understood, but "conversation" need many words and grammar.

Anonymous · Answer

I've always supported learning and practicing set phrases in context. In my opinion vocabulary should be learned and practiced first through input (listening and reading), and then used through output (speaking and writing) on each real life topic. But vocabulary is a broad concept; it includes not only phrases, but also separate words, idioms, proverbs, sayings, etc. Please read my post here titled "Difficulties in vocabulary learning".

Anonymous · Answer

I highly value comprehensive monolingual and bilingual thematic English learning dictionaries that arrange vocabulary by subject matter and topics, and provide word meaning explanations with usage examples in several sentences for each word or phrase meaning. I also know website links to thematically arranged vocabulary, including phrases and idioms.

You can combine reading texts (from newspapers, magazines, books, online, etc) with reading thematic dictionaries to accelerate learning of vocabulary in addition to listening and speaking practice. Thematic approach (not random content) matters a great deal in learning and practicing a language to master it sooner.

In my opinion a learner should be selective in choosing first the most frequently used vocabulary to learn from thematic dictionaries for his/her language needs and use. This also applies to content of materials for listening, reading and speaking practice. Have you selected materials with appropriate helpful thematic content for your needs for listening, speaking, reading and vocabulary practice? Some planning for short (if you are busy) daily classes on your own won't hurt.

Cool Breeze · Answer

AnonymousDo you agree with the following statements?1) Vocabulary matters much more than grammar to use a language.2) The more vocabulary a learner knows how to use correctly the easier it is to convey a thought in a language in speaking, in writing and to understand the reading and listening content.

1. Yes. You may be understood correctly even if your grammar is badly wrong. Many people would understand this sentence correctly: I would went there yesterday if I knowing about it. This is because even though the grammar is wrong, the wrong forms of the verbs are forms of the right verbs (go and know).

If the speaker had used the wrong verbs, we would have no idea what he meant. For instance, this sentence wouldn't convey the intended meaning even if the grammar is correct: I would have spoken there yesterday if I had written about it. No one would understand it to mean: I would have gone there yesterday if I had known about it.

I have spoken English with countless non-native speakers. I have nearly always understood them correctly even if their grammar has been badly off if they have used the right words. If a person says morning and means menu, it's very difficult to understand him correctly. Vocabulary is of paramount importance.

2. Yes.

CB

The importance of vocabulary skills

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