grammar
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for grammar, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The set of rules governing how words are structured and combined into sentences in a language.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use grammar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French gramaire ("classical learning"), from Latin grammatica, from Ancient Greek grammatike ("skilled in writing"), from gramma ("letter, writing").
Full origin of grammar →Frequently asked questions
What does “grammar” mean?
The word “grammar” means the set of rules governing how words are structured and combined into sentences in a language. In plain terms, the rules for how a language is put together — word order, verb tenses, punctuation, and so on.
How do you pronounce “grammar”?
“Grammar” is pronounced GRAM-uh (/ˈɡɹæm.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “grammar” in a sentence?
Here is “grammar” used in a sentence: “She studied English grammar to improve her writing.”
What part of speech is “grammar”?
“Grammar” is a noun.
Where does the word “grammar” come from?
The word “grammar” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French gramaire ("classical learning"), from Latin grammatica, from Ancient Greek grammatike ("skilled in writing"), from gramma ("letter, writing").
Is “grammar” a common word?
“Grammar” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between "grammar" and "syntax"?
Grammar is the full set of rules for how words are formed and combined in a language, covering areas like word forms and sentence structure. Syntax is one part of grammar, dealing specifically with how words are arranged into sentences.
How do you spell "grammar" — "grammar" or "grammer"?
The correct spelling is "grammar," ending in -ar, not -er. "Grammer" is a common misspelling and is not accepted in standard English.
What is the difference between "grammar" and "spelling"?
Grammar governs how words are structured and combined into sentences, while spelling concerns the correct sequence of letters within a single word. A sentence can be spelled perfectly yet still be grammatically incorrect.
What is the difference between "grammar" and "punctuation"?
Grammar is about how words combine into well-formed sentences, whereas punctuation is the system of marks, such as commas and periods, that clarify structure and meaning in writing. Punctuation is often taught alongside grammar but is a separate system.