The Grammar Fix That Could Change British Writing

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-23

David Lott thinks we've been teaching grammar all wrong. And he's not just complaining—he's written a book about it. *Organic Grammar* makes the case that traditional grammar instruction, with its rigid rules and endless worksheets, might actually be holding kids back. Instead of turning them into better writers, it's turning them off writing entirely. ### The Problem with Traditional Grammar Think back to your own school days. Did you learn grammar by circling nouns and underlining verbs? Did you memorize lists of prepositions? If so, you probably didn't enjoy it. Lott argues that this approach is backwards. Grammar isn't a set of rules to memorize—it's a system that grows naturally from language use. When we teach it as a separate, abstract subject, we make it harder than it needs to be. ### What Organic Grammar Proposes Lott's alternative is simple: teach grammar in context. Instead of isolated drills, students learn how language works by reading and writing real texts. They notice patterns, ask questions, and discover rules for themselves. It's a bit like learning to cook by actually cooking, rather than memorizing recipes. The result, he claims, is deeper understanding and better retention. > "Grammar should be a tool for making meaning, not a set of hoops to jump through." — David Lott ### Why This Matters for Literacy If Lott is right, the stakes are high. Literacy rates in the UK have been stagnating for years. Many students leave school without the writing skills they need for work or higher education. By rethinking how we teach grammar, we might unlock a generation's potential. It's not about lowering standards—it's about making the standards make sense. ### The Takeaway Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or just someone who cares about education, Lott's ideas are worth considering. They challenge us to ask: are we teaching grammar in a way that helps students communicate, or just in a way that's easy to test? *Organic Grammar* doesn't have all the answers, but it asks the right questions. And sometimes, that's exactly what we need to start a real conversation about change.