grammar
- 01 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.
Simple“If you want to speak clearly, you need to learn the basic grammar of the language.”
In context“Linguistic researchers often debate whether certain patterns of speech represent a shift in standard grammar or merely a regional dialect.”
UsageUncountable when referring to the abstract system of rules or a person's proficiency.
PitfallHe 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.
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
a book that explains the rules of a language.
a written manual or textbook describing the grammatical system of a specific language.
Simple“I bought a Spanish grammar to help me with my evening classes.”
In context“The library holds an extensive collection of Latin grammars dating back to the sixteenth century.”
UsageCountable in this sense; it can be used with 'a' or in the plural.
- 03 C1 Advanced
the basic principles or rules of a specific subject or skill.
the fundamental principles or elements of an art, science, or field of study.
Simple“The student spent the first month learning the grammar of architectural design.”
In context“Before one can innovate in cinematography, one must first master the visual grammar of light and shadow.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“She was very proud when her son got a place at the local grammar.”
In context“The debate over whether grammar schools promote social mobility or entrench class privilege remains a central issue in British educational policy.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in this context.
Synonymsselective school
Usage grammar school
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.