Descriptive vs prescriptive
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Descriptive grammar describes how a language is actually used by its speakers without making judgments about correctness, observing patterns in usage. Prescriptive grammar prescribes how the language should be used according to established rules, distinguishing between right and wrong usage. Examples provided illustrate descriptive grammar explaining subject/object pronoun usage and prescriptive rules prohibiting ending sentences with prepositions and use of contractions like "ain't".
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Descriptive vs prescriptive
- 1. • Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Slide By Rehan Approach in Teaching Grammar
- 2. What is descriptive grammar? • “described” how language is used by its speakers. • Does not deal with what is good or bad language use. • E.g.: I am older then her • Explanation: subject pronoun ( she, he, it and so on) are paired with a verb, whereas object pronouns (her, him, it, and so on) are not.
- 3. Descriptive Approach • Observe principles that describe the way the language is actually spoken. • The goal of the descriptive approach is a description and knowledge of rules (principles) of how the language is actually spoken
- 4. What is prescriptive grammar? • “prescribes” how should speakers use the language. • Rules about the structure of a language. • Deals with what grammarian believes to be right and wrong, good and bad language use; not following the rules will generate incorrect language. • A set of rules and examples dealing with the syntax and word structures of a language,
- 5. Examples of common prescriptive rules • Do not use ‘ain’t’ • Do not use preposition to end a sentence with • Pronounce the –ing at the of words, not-in’