descriptive grammar

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descriptive grammar

A linguist writes a descriptive grammar of a local dialect.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A systematic description of a language's structure as it is actually used by its speakers: "Descriptive grammar" refers to the objective analysis and recording of how a language is spoken and written in real-world contexts, without prescribing rules for "correct" usage. It focuses on patterns, regularities, and variations found in natural language data.
Usage
  • "Descriptive grammar" is used as a countable noun, often preceded by articles like "a" or "the." It is a core concept in the field of linguistics, contrasting with "prescriptive grammar."
  • It is typically discussed in academic, linguistic, and educational contexts when analyzing language use.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The linguist wrote a detailed descriptive grammar of the regional dialect.
    • Understanding descriptive grammar helps us see how language evolves naturally over time.
    • This book on descriptive grammar documents the various sentence structures used in informal speech.
Advanced Usage

  • "to be based on descriptive grammar": having a foundation in the objective analysis of actual language use.

    • The language learning app's approach is based on descriptive grammar, teaching phrases people actually say.

  • "principles of descriptive grammar": the fundamental ideas guiding the descriptive analysis of language.

    • The study applied the principles of descriptive grammar to analyze social media posts.
Variants and Related Words

  • Descriptive linguistics (n): The broader field of linguistic study that produces descriptive grammars by analyzing language as it is used.

    • Descriptive linguistics seeks to understand language without making value judgments.

  • Grammarian (n): A scholar who studies grammar. A descriptive grammarian focuses on how language is used.

  • Prescriptive grammar (n): A set of rules defining "correct" or "proper" language use, often based on tradition, which contrasts with descriptive grammar.
Synonyms
  • Structural grammar: A grammar that describes the structure of a language.
  • Synchronic grammar: A grammar describing a language at a single point in time.
Related Phrases
  • Descriptive approach/analysis: A method of studying language that focuses on description rather than prescription.
    • The researcher took a descriptive approach to document the new slang.
Notes
  • "Descriptive grammar" is a compound noun where "descriptive" functions as an adjective modifying "grammar." The core term for explanation is the full compound "descriptive grammar." It is treated as a single conceptual unit in linguistic terminology.
descriptive grammar

A linguist writes a descriptive grammar of a local dialect.

Noun
  1. a grammar that is produced by descriptive linguistics