Mister Micawber

Question

Mister Micawber -- Do you consider yourself a prescriptive or descriptive grammarian?

My understanding of these two terms is this:

Prescriptive -- hardcore, and little or no room for grammatical mistakes.

Descriptive -- more casual, idiomatic and conversational (colloquial)

Am I correct?

Thanks.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

From UsingEnglish's glossary, two fairer definitions:

A descriptive grammar looks at the way a language is actually used by its speakers and then attempts to analyse it and formulate rules about the structure. Descriptive grammar does not deal with what is good or bad language use; forms and structures that might not be used by speakers of Standard English would be regarded as valid and included. It is a grammar based on the way a language actually is and not how some think it should be.

A prescriptive lays out rules about the structure of a language. Unlike a descriptive grammar it deals with what the grammarian believes to be right and wrong, good or bad language use; not following the rules will generate incorrect language. Both types of grammar have their supporters and their detractors, which in all probability suggests that both have their strengths and weaknesses.

I am very prescriptive. I try to tell you what I think is good English. On the other hand, I try to find out what literate natives really say before I recommend it.

Philip · Answer

Mister MicawberI am very prescriptive. I try to tell you what I think is good English. On the other hand, I try to find out what literate natives really say before I recommend it.

I agree!

I try not to impose on myself or on others "rules" that were set in the 19th Century, especially if they carry no logic. A rule for the sake of a rule doesn't make sense to me. Still, while the rules exist and they still make sense, I try to follow them.

Mister Micawber

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