Descriptive & Prescriptive Grammar

What is Grammar?

Grammar is the Art of Speaking and Writing truly and properly.

DESCRIPTIVE GRAMMAR- The systematic study and description of a language.

- It refers to the structure of a language as it is actually used by speakers and writers.

For example :-

I am older than her.

Explanation :-

Subject pronouns (she, he, it, and so on) are paired with a verb, whereas object pronouns (her, him, it, and so on) are not. Since the phrase "than her" doesn't have a verb we can see or hear, some speakers choose an object pronoun in the context. 

PRESCRIPTIVE GRAMMAR

- a set of rules and examples dealing with the syntax and word

structures of a language, usually intended as an aid to the learning

of that language. 

- a grammar that "prescibes" how speakers should use the language.

For example : -

I am older than she (is older).

Explanation: -

'than' is a conjunction; it joins two like forms: "I am older" with

"she is older", giving "I am older than she is older", but speakers

omit the last part "is older" because it's redundant.

Nevertheless, according to prescriptive grammar, 'than' functions

as a conjunction, so speakers should use "she" in that context.

Which is better? Descriptive or Prescriptive

Grammar?

* If your audience is academic or you are writing

for business, it's better to use prescriptive

grammar.

* In more casual situations, like emails, friendly

chats, or (some) blogs, it's perfectly acceptable

to use descriptive grammar.