Grammar

Definition

Grammar refers to the system and structure of a language, including its rules for combining words into phrases, clauses, and sentences; it also denotes the study or description of these rules. It encompasses morphology (word forms), syntax (sentence structure), and sometimes phonology and semantics.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈɡræmər/
• Respelling: GRAM-er

British English

• IPA: /ˈɡræmə/
• Respelling: GRAM-uh

Etymology

Late Middle English (denoting learning or literature): from Old French gramaire, from Latin grammatica, from Greek grammatikḗ “(art) of letters,” from gramma “letter.”

Derivatives

• grammatical (adjective)
• grammatically (adverb)
• grammarian (noun)
• grammatize (verb)

Synonyms

• syntax
• morphology
• linguistic rules

Antonyms

• ungrammaticality
• illiteracy

Usage

"She studied English grammar to improve her writing."

"Many language learners struggle with verb tenses and other aspects of grammar."

Related Terms

• Syntax: The rules for the arrangement of words in sentences.
• Morphology: The study of the forms of words.
• Phonology: The study of sound systems in language.
• Semantics: The study of meaning in language.
• Lexicon: The vocabulary of a language.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The system and structure of a language – the set of conventions governing word forms, word order, agreement, and other aspects of sentence formation.
  • Example: "English grammar requires subject–verb agreement."
• A reference book describing a language’s rules – a printed or online volume outlining grammatical principles.
  • Example: "I consulted a grammar to check the correct use of commas."
• The study or science of language structure – the academic discipline analyzing how languages are organized.
  • Example: "She earned her PhD in theoretical grammar."