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Grammar


Grammar is the study and description of the inflexions and other formal features of a language by which one communicates the relationships between spoken or written words. Alternatively, it is a theory specifying how to construct sentences of a language in preferred or prescribed forms, or the constructions themselves. In simple terms, grammar is the study of a language's syntax and inflexions.

The use of grammar enables a person to control his or her subjects and predicates, verbs, clauses, and phrases sufficiently to be intelligible to those to whom he is speaking or writing. The use of grammar helps us to communicate to each other.

However, grammar does not lead or precede a language. Instead, it follows a language. As a result, the grammar of a living language is in a state of constant change as it adapts to the changes in the common use of the language by educated citizens. Only the grammar of a dead language, such as Latin, is fixed and unchanging. Two examples serve to illustrate this point. During the Shakespearian period, the double comparative or superlative ("the most unhappiest day" of the year) was correct, although it is unacceptable today. Similarly, the use of "you wasn't' was considered to be correct a century later, although it would be associated with illiteracy or ignorance today.

Use the following links to continue your review of English Grammar.

Verbs For Color
Possessives
Punctuation
Glossary of Grammatical Terms
Parts of Speech
Online Tests


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