grammar

[/ˈɡræmər/]
nounpl: grammars
gramática
1. The system of rules and principles for speaking and writing a language correctly
She studied English grammar for three years.
Ela estudou gramática inglesa por três anos.
2. A book or guide that explains the rules of a language
I bought a French grammar to improve my skills.
Eu comprei uma gramática de francês para melhorar minhas habilidades.
3. The actual structure and usage patterns of a language as used by its speakers
The grammar of Portuguese differs from Spanish in several ways.
A gramática do português difere do espanhol de várias formas.
In Brazil, grammar education is emphasized in the school curriculum, particularly in Portuguese language classes. The study of 'gramática' is considered fundamental to proper written and formal communication. In the USA, grammar instruction has become less emphasized in recent decades, leading to complaints about declining language skills among students.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
syntaxlinguistic structurerules of language

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
gramática
Standard usage; commonly taught in schools
Rio de Janeiro
gramática
No significant regional variation
São Paulo
gramática
No significant regional variation; academic contexts
Portugal
gramática
Same usage; part of standard educational curriculum

Related Words

syntaxmorphologyphoneticslinguisticsconjugationdeclension

Related Idioms & Phrases

grammar police - people who correct others' grammar mistakes
bad grammar - incorrect or non-standard language usage
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