This article reports the findings of a qualitative study aimed at investi-gating the use of L1-based grammar learning strategies by beginner-level Polish learners of L2 English. The research looked into the partic-ipants’ accounts of their strategy use and into their perceptions about the usefulness of referring to one’s L1 in learning L2 grammar. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as a data elicitation procedure. The findings pointed to considerable reliance on L1-based strategies, such as translation, in the participants’ learning of L2 English grammar, as well as positive opinions about their usefulness. L1-based strategies were reported to be used in explicit, analytic learning of L2 grammar, and their affective role in providing confidence to learners was also mentioned. Pedagogical implications include a need to raise learners’ awareness of the complex roles of the L1 in L2 learning and give them training in the use of specific strategies in order to make L1-based strategy use more informed.
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