prescriptive grammar

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noun

an approach to grammar that is concerned with establishing norms of correct and incorrect usage and formulating rules based on these norms to be followed by users of the language.

a set of grammatical rules based on such an approach.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of prescriptive grammar

First recorded in 1930–35

Words nearby prescriptive grammar

prescribed, prescript, prescriptible, prescription, prescriptive, prescriptive grammar, prescriptivism, prescriptivist, prescutum, preseason, preselect