The noun phrase

For too long now the verb phrase has been the dominant focus of attention in course books, syllabuses, and teacher training programmes.

Delexicalised verbs 2

In the first part of this article the writer explored the use of delexicalised verbs and the problems they create for our learners.

Working with vocabulary

Vocabulary is crucial for getting meaning from a written or oral text. Without knowledge of key vocabulary in a text, a learner may have serious trouble understanding the message.

Lexical exploitation of texts

Reading and listening texts are often used in the ELT classroom to practise receptive skills and / or as the introduction to a topic or language point.

Lexical notebooks or vocabulary cards?

Few would doubt that students should leave a lesson with some kind of transcript of it: be it a notebook or, if technology allows, pages from an Interactive WhiteBoard (IWB) emailed to your students – in order to be able to go over the material covered in class.

As far as vocabulary learning is concerned, it is important to record new language in a way that is memorable and manageable.

Multi-word verbs: Learner problems

Multi-word verbs are complex and present problems for learners both in terms of their grammatical form and their lexical meaning.

Grammar vs lexis or grammar through lexis?

In this article, informed by the Lexical Approach, I reflect on grammar instruction in the classroom, including my own teaching, and make suggestions on how it can be 'lexicalised'. I consider the problems with 'traditional' grammar teaching before arguing that what we actually need is more grammar input as well as showing how lexis can provide necessary 'crutches' for the learner.