10 Types of Grammar You Need to Know

Grammar is everywhere—in the way we speak, write, and even text! But have you ever wondered why some sentences just feel right while others seem off? That’s because Grammar isn’t just about rules; it’s about how language works. There are different Types of Grammar, each shaping the way we communicate. Some focus on how we actually speak, while others look at the rules we should follow. Whether you love Grammar or find it tricky, knowing its types can improve your Communication Skills, especially in Public Speaking.

Table of Contents 

1) Different Types of Grammar 

   a) Descriptive Grammar 

   b) Comparative Grammar 

   c) Transformational Grammar 

   d) Generative Grammar 

   e) Pedagogical Grammar 

   f) Performance Grammar 

   g) Reference Grammar 

   h) Theoretical Grammar 

   i) Traditional Grammar 

   j) Prescriptive Grammar 

2) Conclusion 

Different Types of Grammar 

Grammar can seem tough, but everything will be clear once you jump inside the stream. Keep reading to learn 10 different Types of Grammar that play a key role in shaping the language. They will help you understand its structure and usage.
 

10 different Types of Grammar are: 

a) Descriptive Grammar  

b) Comparative Grammar  

c) Transformational Grammar  

d) Generative Grammar  

e) Pedagogical Grammar  

f) Performance Grammar  

g) Reference Grammar  

h) Theoretical Grammar  

i) Traditional Grammar  

j) Prescriptive Grammar 

Here is a detailed explanation of the above Grammar types. 

Descriptive Grammar 

Descriptive Grammar explains how people naturally speak and write. It looks at the rules and patterns we use every day. Instead of telling what’s right or wrong, it simply describes how language works, even if it doesn’t follow traditional rules. 

Comparative Grammar 

Comparative Grammar compares different languages to see what’s similar and different. It helps language learners and linguists understand the connections between languages. This also shows how languages can influence each other over time. 

Transformational Grammar
 

Transformational Grammar studies how sentences can change while keeping the same meaning. For example, it explains how an active sentence can become passive. It helps explain the hidden structure of sentences and how we can rearrange them in different ways. 

Generative Grammar 

Generative Grammar is a set of rules that shape how sentences are formed and understood in a language. Simply put, it explains the hidden knowledge we all have that helps us speak and understand sentences naturally. It’s like a mental system that guides how we use language without even thinking about it. 

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Pedagogical Grammar 

Pedagogical Grammar is Grammar designed to help people learn a second language. It includes three main ideas: 

a) Teaching Process: Explaining language rules as part of lessons 

b) Learning Materials: Books and guides that provide Grammar rules 

c) A Mix of Both: Combining teaching methods with helpful resources 

It's all about making Grammar easier for language learners to understand. 

Performance Grammar 

Performance Grammar describes how English sentences are actually used in Effective Communications. It focuses on how people create and use language naturally. This approach believes that understanding how people speak should come before studying how they understand and interpret the language. 

Reference Grammar 

A Reference Grammar explains how words, phrases, and sentences are formed in a language. It provides clear Grammar rules and examples. Some well-known English reference books include: 

a) Practical English Usage by Michael Swan (1980): A useful guide for learners and teachers. 

b) A Grammar of Contemporary English by Randolph Quirk et al. (1972): A detailed study of modern English. 

c) Oxford Modern English Grammar by Bas Aarts (2011): Covers Grammar with a modern approach. 

d)  An Introduction to English Grammar by Sidney Greenbaum and Gerald Nelson (2002): A simple and clear guide. 

e) Collins COBUILD English Grammar (2017): Focuses on real-life usage with examples from spoken and written English. 

Theoretical Grammar 

Theoretical Grammar studies the basic building blocks of any human language. It focuses on explaining Grammar rules in a clear and structured way. Linguists use it to compare different Grammar theories and find the best way to describe how language works.  

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Traditional Grammar 

Traditional Grammar is a set of rules that explain how language should be used. It focuses on the difference between everyday speech and what is considered "correct" according to established standards. Its main goal is to preserve older language rules and teach what is seen as proper Grammar. 

Prescriptive Grammar 

Prescriptive Grammar also focuses on how language should be used. It sets rules for the 'correct' way to speak and write, including the proper use of Adjectives. These rules are often used in traditional language teaching, covering sentence structure, verb tenses, and word usage. 

Conclusion 

Understanding different Types of Grammar helps us see how language works. Each type has its own purpose, from describing how we speak to setting rules. Whether learning or teaching, Grammar makes communication clearer. It’s not just about rules, it helps us use language in the best way possible! 

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