Grammar and vocabulary: showing the connections

TLDR

Grammar and vocabulary are traditionally viewed as separate, but recent research on word patterns shows they can be combined, as words sharing patterns tend to share meaning. The study proposes that teachers focus on patterns to promote understanding, accuracy, fluency, and flexibility. Patterns can be integrated into any syllabus, especially a lexical syllabus. Patterns contribute to the teaching of both grammar and vocabulary.

Abstract

Although grammar and vocabulary are traditionally thought of as separate areas of language teaching, new work on word patterns suggests that they can usefully be combined. All words can be shown to have patterns, and words which have the same pattern tend to share aspects of meaning. The patterns ‘V by -ing’ and ‘V as n’ illustrate this. We suggest that language teachers focus on patterns as a way of encouraging four crucial aspects of language learning: understanding, accuracy, fluency, and flexibility. Patterns contribute to the teaching of both grammar and vocabulary. They can form a part of any syllabus, but are most logically associated with a lexical syllabus.