What does "grammar" mean?

1. (language rules) the rules of a language that show how to combine words into correct sentences. 2. (a textbook) a book that explains the rules of a language. 3. (basic principles) the basic principles or rules of a specific subject or skill. 4. (grammar school) a type of school in the UK for students who pass a special exam.

How do you use "grammar"?

Uncountable when referring to the abstract system of rules or a person's proficiency. Countable in this sense; it can be used with 'a' or in the plural. Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in this context.

Is it correct to say "He has a very good grammar."?

No — say "He has very good grammar.". When referring to a person's ability or the abstract system of rules, 'grammar' is uncountable and does not take an indefinite article.

grammar

US //ˈɡɹæmɝ// UK //ɡɹˈæmɐ// gram·mar

1 language rules (n.)
A2 Elementary

the rules of a language that show how to combine words into correct sentences.

the structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in a natural language.

Example

If you want to speak clearly, you need to learn the basic grammar of the language.

Example

Linguistic researchers often debate whether certain patterns of speech represent a shift in standard grammar or merely a regional dialect.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the abstract system of rules or a person's proficiency.
Pitfall

He has a very good grammar.

He has very good grammar.

When referring to a person's ability or the abstract system of rules, 'grammar' is uncountable and does not take an indefinite article.
2 a textbook (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a book that explains the rules of a language.

a written manual or textbook describing the grammatical system of a specific language.

Example

I bought a Spanish grammar to help me with my evening classes.

Example

The library holds an extensive collection of Latin grammars dating back to the sixteenth century.

Usage

Countable in this sense; it can be used with 'a' or in the plural.

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3 basic principles (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary

the basic principles or rules of a specific subject or skill.

the fundamental principles or elements of an art, science, or field of study.

Example

The student spent the first month learning the grammar of architectural design.

Example

Before one can innovate in cinematography, one must first master the visual grammar of light and shadow.
4 grammar school (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informal

a type of school in the UK for students who pass a special exam.

a state-funded secondary school in the United Kingdom that selects pupils on the basis of academic ability.

Example

She was very proud when her son got a place at the local grammar.

Example

The debate over whether grammar schools promote social mobility or entrench class privilege remains a central issue in British educational policy.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in this context.
- selective school

Origin

From Middle English gramere, from Old French gramaire (“classical learning”), from unattested Vulgar Latin grammāria, an alteration of Latin grammatica, from Ancient Greek γραμματική (grammatikḗ, “skilled in writing”), from γράμμα (grámma, “line of writing”), from γράφω (gráphō, “write”), from Proto-Indo-European gerbʰ- (“to carve, scratch”). Displaced native Old English stæfcræft; a doublet of glamour, glamoury, gramarye, and grimoire. Piecewise doublet of grammatic.

Idioms2 entries