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grammar

noun
gram·​mar | \ ˈgra-mər How to pronounce grammar (audio) \

Definition of grammar

1a : the study of the classes of words, their inflections (see inflection sense 3), and their functions and relations in the sentence
b : a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection (see inflection sense 3) and syntax (see syntax sense 1)
2a : the characteristic system of inflections (see inflection sense 3) and syntax of a language
b : a system of rules that defines the grammatical structure of a language
3a : a grammar textbook
b : 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
Other Words from grammar Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about grammar

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Other Words from grammar

grammarian \ grə-​ˈmer-​ē-​ən How to pronounce grammarian (audio) \ noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 This is largely because linguists, unlike laypeople, focus on grammar, not vocabulary. — The Economist, "Why widely spoken languages have simpler grammar," 8 Aug. 2019 Stephen Russell, a sociology professor at The University of Texas at Austin who focuses on LGBTQ youth, says using appropriate language to refer to marginalized groups comes down to grammar. — Brianna Holt, Quartz, "Using the wrong language to describe identity does more harm than you think," 15 Aug. 2019 McCulloch sees that grammar traditionalists have as much right to their quirks as anyone else. — Mary Norris, The New Yorker, "The Long Hot Summer of Grammar," 15 Aug. 2019 The articulation of identity, too, bears the ever-changing accent and grammar of new technology. — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, "Review: Writing the book on selfies — sociologist reframes social photos," 10 Aug. 2019 The steady decay of English syntax is a first-world problem par excellence, and tsk-tsking over sloppy grammar amounts to a haughty and rather geriatric form of entertainment. — Lionel Shriver, Harper's magazine, "Semantic Drift," 22 July 2019 How important is perfect grammar on a grad school letter of intent? — Abigail Van Buren, Twin Cities, "Dear Abby: Waiter’s effort at small talk explodes into savage tirade," 21 June 2019 How important is perfect grammar on a grad school letter of intent? — Dear Abby, oregonlive.com, "Dear Abby: Waiter asks if woman is pregnant (she isn’t) and her husband goes off," 21 June 2019 Excerpts have been lightly edited for spelling, grammar and punctuation. — Seattle Times Staff, The Seattle Times, "‘I’m not a bike zealot, but…’: The best comments this week on seattletimes.com," 9 Aug. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of grammar

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for 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

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More Definitions for grammar

grammar

noun
How to pronounce grammar (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of grammar

: the set of rules that explain how words are used in a language
: speech or writing judged by how well it follows the rules of grammar
: a book that explains the grammar rules of a language

See the full definition for grammar in the English Language Learners Dictionary

grammar

noun
gram·​mar | \ ˈgra-mər How to pronounce grammar (audio) \

Kids Definition of grammar

1 : the rules of how words are used in a language
2 : speech or writing judged according to the rules of grammar

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More from Merriam-Webster on grammar

Rhyming Dictionary: 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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