We Are All Grammarians

We can internalize external rules, and we can externalize internal rules. The two types of grammar are intertwined.

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There are two types of grammar in language. One is prescriptive, and the other is descriptive. This difference is critical; moreover, this distinction should be noted in any kind of rules and systems in various domains of the world and the universe.

Prescriptive grammar is also called normative grammar. It represents a set of rules that we are supposed to follow. In language usage, when we say we “should” or “must” do this or that, these things to be “reinforced” fall into this category. This is the type of grammar we typically and traditionally consider.

This is a prescription that tells us what is right and wrong. If we don’t follow these rules, we are considered to be in violation. Such violations are not only seen as wrong or inappropriate but even bad. Often, consciously or unconsciously, we think of these rules as a set of guidelines that teach us good and bad, much like moral and ethical principles. These are essentially enforced from the outside in.

As such, we need to learn, remember, and master them. Once people know how to follow them well, they can…