Definition

Noun: * A branch or approach to language study that establishes and enforces rules for what is considered "correct" or "proper" usage. It contrasts with descriptive linguistics by focusing on how a language should be used according to an authoritative standard, rather than describing how it is actually used by its speakers.

Usage

• Prescriptive linguistics is often associated with grammar rules taught in schools, style guides, and efforts to maintain linguistic purity.
• It typically provides a prescription for correct forms in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.

Examples

• A grammar book that forbids ending a sentence with a preposition is an example of prescriptive linguistics.
• The debate between prescriptive linguistics and descriptive linguistics is central to modern language study.
• Traditional language academies often engage in prescriptive linguistics to standardize usage.

Advanced Usage

• "to be prescriptive": Describing an attitude or rule that dictates correct usage.
  • His approach to grammar is highly prescriptive.
• The concept is often discussed in contrast to descriptive linguistics.

Variants and Related Words

• Prescriptivism (n): The attitude or ideology underlying prescriptive linguistics; the practice of prescribing rules.
• Prescriptive (adj): Having the quality of prescribing rules (e.g., a grammar).
• Prescriptivist (n/adj): (A person) who advocates for or follows prescriptive rules.

Synonyms

• Normative linguistics
• Prescriptivism

Antonyms

• Descriptive linguistics

Related Concepts

• Linguistic prescription: The act or practice of establishing and enforcing language rules.
• Standard language: The variety of a language promoted by prescriptive linguistics.
• Usage: Often discussed in terms of "prescriptive vs. descriptive" usage.

Noun

1. an account of how a language should be used instead of how it is actually used; a prescription for the `correct' phonology and morphology and syntax and semantics