“Should I use ‘in’ or ‘into’?”
“Should I use ‘can’ or ‘may’?”
All of us have such questions in mind when we speak in English. But it is better not to pay heed to these doubts that arise in your head. To speak correctly is the dream, however, we should not let rules become a hurdle in speech.
There is a difference between knowing the rules and actually using them. It is easy to learn grammar rules, but to remember them and incorporate them into your speech requires practice. It is quite natural to speak slowly in beginning as you have to choose the appropriate words and form sentences. If you hesitate, and shy away from speaking just because you take time to speak, you will never be able to speak.
BUT, this over cautiousness and over thinking should end once you learn the basics of English grammar. Analysing English delays the process of speaking and it has no relation with oral fluency. While speaking, we do not have the time to stop and think of which rule to apply where, we need to speak in flow. The analysis part should be left for writing, as we can take our time to think and plan our answers then.
Why We Should Not Analyze English While Speaking
Whenever we use a word or concept that we find difficult, our brain needs some time to figure out what to say. The time consumed in planning and analysing which word to use can make the other person impatient and lower your self confidence. Therefore, Stop Thinking, Start Speaking!
The fastest way to train your brain to speak correctly is to use what you learn – speak English all you can, without worrying about whether it is right is wrong. Your confidence is what makes you a good speaker, not the rules. It is interesting to note that most native English speakers speak English without the rules!
To learn by association is best if you want to brush up your grammar. Read and memorise as many sentences as you can. This helps the brain associate and match the sentence with the examples and choose the correct word faster. So, if you are confused between ‘can’ and ‘may’, learn some examples of both!
Do not stop speaking English, speak whatever comes to your mind. Just keep learning English grammar to improve your spoken English skills further!