How do you teach grammar communicatively?

By APTTI TEFL faculty · Updated 6 October 2026 · 2 min read

To teach grammar communicatively, present the structure in a meaningful context, help learners notice its meaning and form, practise it in controlled exercises, then use it in a real speaking or writing task. Concept-check questions confirm understanding without long explanations. The aim is that learners can use the grammar to communicate, not only recite the rule.

What this means in practice

Many Indian learners know grammar rules well from school but struggle to use them in speech. Communicative grammar teaching closes that gap.

A simple sequence

context: a short story, dialogue or picture
meaning: concept-check questions such as 'Is this finished or not?'
form: highlight the pattern on the board
controlled practice: gap-fills or drills
freer practice: a task where learners need the structure

Concept-check questions

Instead of asking 'Do you understand?', ask short questions that test meaning. For 'I used to play cricket': 'Do I play cricket now?' (No.) 'Did I play it many times in the past?' (Yes.)

Correction during practice

During controlled practice, correct accuracy errors on the spot. During freer practice, note errors and give feedback afterwards so you do not interrupt fluency.

Grammar points Indian learners often find hard

articles: a, an and the
present perfect versus past simple
question forms without auxiliary errors ('Where you are going?')
prepositions of time and place
reported speech and tense changes

Practical next steps

Choose a context where the grammar appears naturally.
Write two or three concept-check questions.
Show the form clearly on the board.
Plan controlled practice.
Plan a freer task that needs the grammar.

ExampleTo teach the present perfect for experience, a teacher in Chandigarh shows photos of places she has visited, asks 'Have you ever been to…?' questions, then learners interview each other and report back.

What to keep in mind

Some structures need more explicit explanation for older learners and exam classes. Communicative does not mean never explaining a rule.

Common follow-up questions

What is a concept-check question?

A short question that checks whether learners understand the meaning of new language, usually answered with yes, no or a word.

Should grammar be taught inductively or deductively?

Both have a place: inductive discovery works well for clear patterns; deductive explanation saves time for complex rules.

Should teachers correct every grammar mistake?

No. Correct selectively: focus on errors linked to the lesson aim or that block understanding, and correct fluency work after the activity.

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