Definition of grammar
1a : the study of the classes of words, their inflections (see inflection 3), and their functions and relations in the sentenceb : a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection (see inflection 3) and syntax (see syntax 1)
2a : the characteristic system of inflections (see inflection 3) and syntax of a languageb : a system of rules that defines the grammatical structure of a language
3a : a grammar textbookb : speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules appalled at the bad grammar of college students
4 : the principles or rules of an art, science, or technique a grammar of the theater; also : a set of such principles or rules
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Examples of grammar in a Sentence
English grammar can be hard to master.
comparing English and Japanese grammar
comparing the grammars of English and Japanese
“Him and I went” is bad grammar.
I know some German, but my grammar isn't very good.
Recent Examples of grammar from the Web
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President Donald Trump is known for using Twitter to communicate this thoughts — but he’s also known for the spelling and grammar errors riddling his tweets.
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Language is organized into meaningful units such as words, and a system of rules -- a grammar -- that enables us to compose our words and express everything from the gnawing ache of unrequited love to a banal observation on the weather.
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Networked cities, therefore, must be understood as constituting a generative grammar that admits to a very large number of valid permutations.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grammar'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of grammar
Middle English gramere, from Anglo-French gramaire, modification of Latin grammatica, from Greek grammatikē, from feminine of grammatikos of letters, from grammat-, gramma — more at gram
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
GRAMMAR Defined for English Language Learners
grammar
playDefinition of grammar for English Language Learners
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: the set of rules that explain how words are used in a language
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: speech or writing judged by how well it follows the rules of grammar
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: a book that explains the grammar rules of a language
GRAMMAR Defined for Kids
grammar
playDefinition of grammar for Students
1 : the rules of how words are used in a language
2 : speech or writing judged according to the rules of grammar
Learn More about grammar
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See words that rhyme with grammar Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for grammar Spanish Central: Translation of grammar Nglish: Translation of grammar for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of grammar for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grammar
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