Grammar Concepts

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Descriptive Grammar

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A study of language, structure, and use in daily life by speakers, including standard and non-standard varieties. It is non-judgmental and explains how a particular language works.

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Example of Descriptive Grammar

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"Him and me, we are neighbors" or "I don't know nothing".

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Prescriptive Grammar

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How language should be used, implying a distinction between good and bad grammar.

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Focus of Prescriptive Grammar

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The primary focus is on the standard form of grammar and syntactic construction.

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Violation of Grammar Rules Example

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"Him and me, we are neighbors" violates two grammar rules: object forms of pronouns should not be used in sentence-initial or as subject nouns.

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Rules of Prescriptive Grammar

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1. A sentence should not end in a preposition (stranded preposition). 2. Singular subject nouns require singular pronoun references.

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Pronoun Usage in Subject Position

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In the subject position, use "who" and "whom" for object position.

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Non-countable vs Countable Nouns

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With non-countable nouns, use "little" or "less"; with countable nouns, use "few" or "fewer".

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Split Infinitive

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Occurs when an adverb is placed between "to" and a verb, e.g., "She used to SECRETLY admire him."