Lesson 1.1: What is Grammar?

Definition of Grammar

• Definition: Grammar is the set of rules that govern how words combine to form meaningful sentences in a language. It encompasses the structure of sentences, phrases, and words in terms of syntax, morphology, and semantics.
• Importance: Understanding grammar is essential for effective communication. It helps in organizing ideas, expressing thoughts clearly, and maintaining coherence in both spoken and written forms.
• Examples:
  • Correct: “She writes beautifully.”
  • Incorrect: “She writes beautiful.”
• Exercises:
  • Define grammar in your own words.
  • Identify the parts of the sentence in the following examples:
    1. “The cat sleeps on the mat.”
    2. “She ate the cake quickly.”

Different Types of Grammar

• Descriptive Grammar: Describes how people actually use language in everyday communication without prescribing rules. It focuses on observed language patterns.
• Prescriptive Grammar: Sets rules for what is considered ‘proper’ language usage. It often includes instructions on how to use language correctly.
• Traditional Grammar: Based on the classical study of Latin and Greek, focusing on parts of speech, sentence structures, and punctuation.
• Modern Grammar: Incorporates linguistic theory and focuses on syntactic structures, semantic analysis, and pragmatic aspects.
• Examples:
  • Descriptive: “She ain’t coming” (informal usage).
  • Prescriptive: “She isn’t coming” (formal usage).
• Exercises:
  • Differentiate between descriptive and prescriptive grammar.
  • List five examples of traditional grammar rules vs. modern grammatical constructs.

Topic 1.1.3: Application of Grammar Rules

• Practical Application: Grammar rules are not just for academic study but are applied in real-world situations. This includes writing emails, creating content, and speaking in a professional setting.
• Examples of Usage:
  • Writing Emails: “Please find the attached document.”
  • Content Creation: “The cat plays with the ball” vs. “With the ball, the cat plays.”
  • Public Speaking: Using proper grammar to communicate effectively.
• Exercises:
  • Rewrite the following sentences to use correct grammar:
    1. “I don’t know where is she going.”
    2. “Him and me are going to the store.”
  • Create a short paragraph using correct grammar and punctuation.