There are several different types of English grammar used to analyze and describe the language. According to the provided reference, here are some of them:
Types of English Grammar
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Traditional Grammar: This is the grammar most people are familiar with from school. It focuses on rules for correct usage, parts of speech, and sentence structure.
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Transformational Grammar: This type focuses on how sentences are transformed from deep structures to surface structures. It seeks to understand the underlying rules that govern sentence formation.
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Descriptive Grammar: This grammar describes how people actually use the language, without making judgments about correctness. It's based on observation and analysis of real-world language use.
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Prescriptive Grammar: This grammar prescribes rules for how people should use the language. It sets standards for "correct" or "proper" English.
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Generative Grammar: This type aims to define a set of rules that can generate all possible grammatically correct sentences in a language. It seeks to uncover the innate knowledge of language that speakers possess.
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Historical Grammar: Also known as diachronic linguistics, it studies the development of English over time, tracing changes in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
Summary Table
| Type of Grammar | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional Grammar | Focuses on rules of correct usage, parts of speech, and sentence structure. |
| Transformational Grammar | Examines how sentences are transformed from underlying deep structures. |
| Descriptive Grammar | Describes language use as it actually occurs. |
| Prescriptive Grammar | Prescribes rules for how language should be used. |
| Generative Grammar | Aims to define rules that generate all grammatically correct sentences. |
| Historical Grammar | Studies the development of language over time. |
