# grammar police

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/grammar-police
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One or more people who make negative comments, which are usually unsolicited and unwanted, concerning the correctness of someone's English usage.

## Examples

- The grammar police corrected my text message again.
- I posted a quick update online, but the grammar police immediately started pointing out my spelling errors.
- Despite the insightful nature of his argument, the online discussion was derailed by the grammar police who focused solely on his minor punctuation mistakes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.