There are four distinct approaches to English grammar, each covered in a different section of the book. Prescriptive grammar emphasizes questions of usage.
Descriptive grammar categorizes the parts of speech and sentence types in English.
Generative grammar attempts to discover more abstract underlying regularities in syntax. And performance grammar explores the way that sentences and larger texts are actually processed by readers and listeners. This book introduce readers to the major claims and findings of each one. Features Balanced coverage of the four distinct approaches to English grammar gives students a comprehensive view of the subject, including traditional and current approaches. Each of the four major sections of the book is self-contained and begins by looking at how and why each approach evolved.