Linguistics Micro Lesson: Prescriptive Grammar vs. Descriptive Grammar

In linguistics we often focus on descriptive grammar. This means that we describe how language is actually used by people when speaking or writing. Think of it as someone listening to people speak at a cafe and taking notes on how they say things.

This contrasts with prescriptive grammar that states how a language “should” be spoken or written. This is what most of us think of when we hear the word “grammar.” Think of it as English class lessons when you were in grade school.

Here’s an example of the same basic sentence as you’d see it in descriptive and prescriptive grammars:

  • Descriptive: Who are you going to invite to the party? (This is what people actually say)
  • Prescriptive: Whom are you going to invite to the party? (This is what people “should” say)

45 Notes/ Hide

  1. brightandglittering reblogged this from vowelsme
  2. berlinguistics reblogged this from vowelsme
  3. worldclassbully reblogged this from vowelsme and added:
    write a term paper about this.
  4. iwannamarryalinguist reblogged this from vowelsme
  5. theycallmeicebox reblogged this from vowelsme and added:
    linguistics minor, people usually...means I’m a grammarian, but then I try
  6. ghotiandwugs reblogged this from vowelsme
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  8. ultramoose reblogged this from vowelsme and added:
    Prescriptive grammar...fail. There is no authority...used....
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