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Grammar: meaning, definitions and examples

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grammar

 

[ˈɡramər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

language

The whole system and structure of a language or of languages in general, usually taken as consisting of syntax and morphology (including inflections) and sometimes also phonology and semantics.

Synonyms

language structure, morphology, syntax.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grammar

Use when talking about the set of rules that dictate the structure of sentences, phrases, and words in a language. Suitable for educational contexts and discussions about language accuracy.

  • She is studying English grammar to improve her writing skills.
  • Good grammar is essential for clear communication.

Examples of usage

  • Good grammar is essential for effective communication.
  • She is studying English grammar at school.
Context #2 | Noun

education

The study of the classes of words, their inflections, and their functions and relations in the sentence.

Synonyms

language study, word classes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grammar

Use 'grammar' when referring to the set of rules for speaking and writing in a language. It covers syntax, punctuation, and morphology.

  • You need to improve your grammar to write better essays.
  • Understanding grammar is crucial for learning a new language.
language study

Use 'language study' when discussing the broader discipline that involves learning about a language, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural aspects.

  • Her language study includes mastering new vocabulary and understanding cultural contexts.
  • He enrolled in a language study course to become fluent in Japanese.
word classes

Use 'word classes' when focusing specifically on categories of words based on their function, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

  • In English, we have several word classes including nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
  • Understanding word classes can help you construct better sentences.

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys learning about grammar in her language class.
  • Grammar rules can be challenging to remember.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

A set of rules for converting a formal language into another form or representation.

Synonyms

formal rules, language conversion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grammar

Appropriate for describing the set of rules that govern the structure of sentences in a language.

  • She is studying English grammar to improve her writing skills.
  • Understanding grammar is essential for effective communication.
formal rules

Best used when referring to the established guidelines or protocols, often in a more official or academic setting.

  • The formal rules of the contest must be followed by all participants.
  • He wrote a paper on the formal rules governing contract law.
language conversion

Useful when talking about translating text from one language to another, or changing a speech from one language to another.

  • The software specializes in language conversion and can translate documents in seconds.
  • He works in language conversion, translating literary works from Spanish to English.

Examples of usage

  • Grammar plays a key role in programming languages.
  • The compiler checks the grammar of the code.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'grammatica', which means 'the art of letters'.
  • In Ancient Greece, grammar was taught as a vital part of education in rhetoric and philosophy.
  • The transition from Latin to the Old French 'gramaire' helped shape the term we use today.

Historical Perspectives

  • The first known grammar book was authored by Panini in India over 2,500 years ago, focusing on Sanskrit.
  • Traditional grammar often emphasized rules and formal structure, while modern approaches include usage and context.
  • Noah Webster's 1786 book 'The Elementary Spellling Book' significantly influenced American English grammar standards.

Pop Culture

  • Grammatical gaffes have inspired countless memes and jokes, often highlighting the importance of proper language.
  • Famous writers like George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway emphasized the clarity achieved through good grammar in their works.
  • Television shows and films sometimes use improper grammar for comedic effect, showcasing its impact on communication.

Science

  • Research shows that learning grammar rules enhances language processing and comprehension skills.
  • Linguists study the structure of sentences—called syntax—to understand how language functions across cultures.
  • Children typically acquire grammar intuitively, picking up the rules from exposure to language around them.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that mastery of grammar can affect self-esteem and communication effectiveness.
  • Understanding grammar helps enhance cognitive skills by strengthening logical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Errors in grammar can lead to misinterpretations or negative perceptions in social and professional settings.

Translations

Translations of the word "grammar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gramática

🇮🇳 व्याकरण

🇩🇪 Grammatik

🇮🇩 tata bahasa

🇺🇦 граматика

🇵🇱 gramatyka

🇯🇵 文法 (ぶんぽう)

🇫🇷 grammaire

🇪🇸 gramática

🇹🇷 dil bilgisi

🇰🇷 문법

🇸🇦 قواعد اللغة

🇨🇿 gramatika

🇸🇰 gramatika

🇨🇳 语法

🇸🇮 slovnica

🇮🇸 málfræði

🇰🇿 грамматика

🇬🇪 გრამატიკა

🇦🇿 qrammatika

🇲🇽 gramática

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,490 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.