LingvoCore.com

grammar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B1
UK/ˈɡræmə(r)/US/ˈɡræmər/

Formal, Neutral, Academic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “grammar” mean?

The system of rules and structure governing the formation of words, phrases, clauses, and sentences in a language.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The system of rules and structure governing the formation of words, phrases, clauses, and sentences in a language.

A book describing these rules; one's practical application of these rules in speech or writing; the basic elements or principles of an area of knowledge or skill.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minimal lexical differences. Spelling of related terms differs (e.g., BrE 'grammar school' vs AmE 'elementary school' for different institutions).

Connotations

In both, 'grammar' can carry connotations of correctness, education, and sometimes pedantry. 'Grammar school' in the UK has strong historical/class connotations linked to selective state education.

Frequency

Similar high frequency in both dialects, core meaning identical.

Grammar

How to Use “grammar” in a Sentence

[study/learn/teach] grammar[have/know] good/bad grammara grammar [of language]the grammar [of something][correct/check] your grammar

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
English grammarbasic grammargrammar rulesgrammar bookcheck your grammar
medium
formal grammarteach grammarlearn grammargrammar mistakepoor grammar
weak
advanced grammarcomplex grammargrammar testgrammar pointstandard grammar

Examples

Examples of “grammar” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • (Non-standard/rare) 'I need to grammar-check this essay before submitting it.' (Using 'grammar' as part of a compound verb).

American English

  • (Non-standard) 'She grammared that sentence perfectly.' (Virtually unused; considered an error).

adverb

British English

  • (Virtually non-existent) The sentence was constructed grammatically. ('Grammatically' is the standard adverb).

American English

  • (Virtually non-existent) He writes grammatically correct prose. (Again, 'grammatically' is used).

adjective

British English

  • It was a grammar point we hadn't covered.
  • He attended a grammar school.

American English

  • She made a grammar error in the first line.
  • The grammar checker missed that mistake.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Important for professional communication; 'grammar errors' in reports/emails can undermine credibility.

Academic

A core subject of linguistic study; precise term for describing language systems.

Everyday

Commonly discussed in language learning, writing, and correcting mistakes.

Technical

In linguistics, can refer to specific theoretical models (e.g., Transformational Grammar, Generative Grammar).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “grammar”

Strong

syntax (specifically sentence structure)morphosyntax

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “grammar”

ungrammaticalityincorrectness

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “grammar”

  • Confusing 'grammar' with 'spelling' or 'punctuation'. Incorrect: 'His grammar is bad; he always writes 'there' instead of 'their'.' (This is a spelling/homophone error). Using 'grammar' as a verb (non-standard; correct verb is 'parse' or 'diagram').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No. That is the prescriptive view. Linguistics focuses on descriptive grammar – the systematic rules that native speakers unconsciously know, regardless of 'correctness' by traditional standards.

Syntax is a subset of grammar. Grammar includes syntax (sentence structure) and morphology (word structure). 'Grammar' is the broader term.

This refers to usage that violates the standard prescriptive rules of a language dialect, often associated with education and social perception. Linguistically, all dialects have their own consistent, complex grammar.

No, 'grammar' is not a standard verb in modern English. Use verbs like 'parse', 'diagram', 'check the grammar of', or 'correct'.

The system of rules and structure governing the formation of words, phrases, clauses, and sentences in a language.

Grammar is usually formal, neutral, academic in register.

Grammar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡræmə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “Grammar police (informal, pejorative)”
  • “Grammar Nazi (informal, offensive)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a 'GRAM'mar book helping your writing earn an 'A' grade. GRAM + A (for accuracy).

Conceptual Metaphor

LANGUAGE IS A STRUCTURE (with grammar as its framework/blueprint). KNOWLEDGE IS A LANGUAGE (e.g., 'the grammar of music').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
A good understanding of is essential for clear written communication.
Multiple Choice

In which context is 'grammar' used metaphorically?