grammar

[ gram-er ]

noun

1. the study of the way the sentences of a language are constructed; morphology and syntax.
2. these features or constructions themselves:

   English grammar.

3. an account of these features; a set of rules accounting for these constructions:

   a grammar of English.

4. Generative Grammar. a device, as a body of rules, whose output is all of the sentences that are permissible in a given language, while excluding all those that are not permissible.
5. prescriptive grammar.
6. knowledge or usage of the preferred or prescribed forms in speaking or writing:

   She said his grammar was terrible.

7. the elements of any science, art, or subject.
8. a book treating such elements.

grammar

/ ˈɡræmə /

noun

1. the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology, sometimes also phonology and semantics
2. the abstract system of rules in terms of which a person's mastery of his native language can be explained
3. a systematic description of the grammatical facts of a language
4. a book containing an account of the grammatical facts of a language or recommendations as to rules for the proper use of a language
5. 1. the use of language with regard to its correctness or social propriety, esp in syntax

      the teacher told him to watch his grammar

   2. ( as modifier )

      a grammar book

6. the elementary principles of a science or art

   the grammar of drawing

grammar

1. The rules for standard use of words. A grammar is also a system for classifying and analyzing the elements of language.

Derived Forms

• ˈgrammarless, adjective

Other Words From

• grammar·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grammar¹

1325–75; Middle English gramery < Old French gramaire < Latin gramatica < Greek grammatikḕ ( téchnē ) grammatical (art); -ar ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of grammar¹

C14: from Old French gramaire, from Latin grammatica, from Greek grammatikē ( tekhnē ) the grammatical (art), from grammatikos concerning letters, from gramma letter

Example Sentences

Is the press merely operating in Pavlovian fashion, in the same manner they clean up grammar and usage according to the AP style manual?

From Salon

Some universities ban the use of AI unless specifically authorised, while others allow AI to be used to identify errors in grammar or vocabulary, or permit generative AI content within assessments as long as it is fully cited and referenced.

From BBC

The list published by the DE included almost 40 grammar schools and a prep school, where parents typically pay fees for their children to attend.

From BBC

"We can't understand how a school like this - a fabulous school, an outstanding school - that needs funding with 60% plus free school meals is in competition with prep schools, fee-paying schools, grammar schools and schools with as little as 5% free school meals," he told BBC News NI.

From BBC

Men have critiqued her videos on production and grammar, and one party man decided to write a newspaper column for her, believing she wasn’t up to the task.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alphabet
• syntax