Learning By Memorizing Entire Phrases? Just Have A Lobotomy Instead

"How many times have you nailed a memorized phrase, only to freeze up like a deer in headlights when someone responds? That’s because you don’t understand the building blocks of what you’re saying."

Let’s talk about one of the most ridiculous things some methods teach: memorizing whole sentences, structures, or collocations—without understanding them. I know you guys have heard of them, and I bet some of you think they’re good. Let me help then.

Welcome to another episode of "Ways English Methods Waste Your Time!"

The Problem with Pattern Learning

Sure, memorizing pre-made chunks of English might help you fake it in specific situations you’ve practiced a hundred times. But what happens when the conversation goes off-script? When you actually have to think for yourself? And, let’s be honest—what happens when you mess up and swap out a word? Will you even know?

Think about it: How many times have you nailed a memorized phrase, only to freeze up like a deer in headlights when someone responds? That’s because you don’t understand the building blocks of what you’re saying. You’re like an actor who’s memorized lines in a foreign play—one ad-lib, and the whole thing crumbles.

Example: Using "Would You" As A Polite Form

Let’s take a classic example: English books love to teach "would you" as a polite way to ask for something. Great. But how many of them actually explain why it’s polite?

Here’s the deal: “would” is hypothetical (in Polish, think “bym, byś, by”), so when you say "would you," you’re making the question hypothetical and therefore indirect. And guess what? Indirect = polite in both English and Polish. It’s not that “would” is polite on its own—it’s indirect, and that’s what softens the message here.

But "would" can be used in a gazillion different meanings that have nothing to do with politeness.

"...all these words you’re “collocating” actually have meanings you could just learn and understand... But hey, that would totally kill the thrill and suspense of trying to remember all these millions of combinations correctly."

Collocations: The First Step Towards A Lobotomy

Ah, collocations! My personal favorite form of brain abuse. They perfectly represent how little respect some methods have for your intelligence. “These words just go together! Don’t ask why, just memorize them!” Yeah, because that’s exactly how humans learn best—by blindly accepting random combinations without understanding.

And here’s the real kicker: all these words you’re “collocating” actually have meanings you could just learn and understand... But hey, that would totally kill the thrill and suspense of trying to remember all these millions of combinations correctly.

Why Schools Love This Approach

It's simple: Teaching patterns is easier than explaining meaning, and it makes everyone feel good. The student thinks they’re making progress, and the teacher has a measurable effect. “Hey, look! Now you can say five different polite requests!”

Never mind that you have no idea why they're polite or how to adapt them to different situations.

"You know what this method conveniently forgets? The entire point of language learning—understanding what words mean... especially when you put them together." 😱

What’s Missing: The "Why" Behind Language

You know what this method conveniently forgets? The entire point of language learning—understanding what words mean... especially when you put them together. 

Let's be real: if you don't understand why you're saying what you're saying, you're not speaking English—you're doing an impression of someone who does. And that works great... until it doesn't.

Ready to Stop Being a Phrase Collector?

Ready to stop being a phrase collector and start being an English speaker? We're here to show you how!

Remember, speaking English isn't about memorizing what to say. It’s about understanding what you're saying. Everything else is just linguistic karaoke. Book your FREE 90-minute DEMO, and let us show you the only way to learn effectively!