What do linguists mean when they refer to grammar?
A) unconscious principles that predict how most people talk
B) prescriptive rules that people are supposed to follow when speaking
C) geographical variation within a single language
D) traits in a person's speech that serve as clues to their education and status

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Linguists most commonly refer to grammar as the unconscious principles that predict how most people talk. Grammar is the set of rules governing how words combine into sentences, as well as the structure and meaning relationships between words and phrases. These rules are acquired implicitly by native speakers, without conscious effort or instruction.

What Do Linguists Mean When They Refer to Grammar