1 There are some significant differences – as well as similarities – between these definitions. One difference is in the scope of the definitions, some restricting grammar to just words and the ways they are combined d, while others encompass ‘everything to do with the structure of the language’ g. A number of definitions highlight that grammar is a system a, b, i, albeit a finite or limited one h. A major distinction is between those definitions that focus only on the formal, or structural, aspect of grammar (a, c, d, g and possibly i), and those that mention its capacity to create meaning (b, f and h). At least two definitions (a and f) refer to the regularities or patterns that constitute grammar, but only one c refers to ‘rules’, and in a very prescriptive sense (correct, right, wrong). Finally, a number of definitions (e.g. b and d) refer to grammar as being an object of study – a description of language use, after the event, as it were. Definition i, on the other hand, views grammar as being an internal mental capacity, and, by implication, not necessarily available to objective scrutiny.

From a teaching point of view, any definition that foregrounds grammar’s meaning-making capacity – as opposed to its purely structural nature, or its role in arbitrating correctness – is arguably preferable. Hence f or h.

2 A number of these statements echo different views of grammar expressed in the preceding task. They also reflect a variety of opinions as to the relative importance of grammar study as a vehicle for language learning.

a This takes the view that grammar prescribes rules of correctness, in the same spirit as definition c in Task 1.

b This recognizes grammar’s meaning-making capacity, in contrast to its purely formal (i.e. mathematical) nature, corresponding to statements b and h in Task 1.

c d and e employ different metaphors to highlight the primacy of grammar and the view that it is fundamental to all language use, rather than having a relatively limited role. The emphasis on structure in e reflects the structural bias of definition g in Task 1.