Descriptive vs prescriptive

1. • Descriptive vs. Prescriptive
Slide By Rehan
Approach in Teaching Grammar

2. What is descriptive grammar?
• “described” how language is used by its speakers.
• Does not deal with what is good or bad language use.
• E.g.: I am older then her
• Explanation: subject pronoun ( she, he, it and so on)
are paired with a verb, whereas object pronouns (her,
him, it, and so on) are not.

3. Descriptive Approach
• Observe principles that describe the way the language
is actually spoken.
• The goal of the descriptive approach is a description
and knowledge of rules (principles) of how the
language is actually spoken

4. What is prescriptive grammar?
• “prescribes” how should speakers use the language.
• Rules about the structure of a language.
• Deals with what grammarian believes to be right and
wrong, good and bad language use; not following the
rules will generate incorrect language.
• A set of rules and examples dealing with the syntax
and word structures of a language,

5. Examples of common prescriptive rules
• Do not use ‘ain’t’
• Do not use preposition to end a sentence with
• Pronounce the –ing at the of words, not-in’