Defining English
Grammar: gram.mar [grammer] (noun)
1. Rules for language
The system of rules by which words are formed and put together to make sentences.
2. Particular set of language rules
The rules for speaking or writing a particular language, or a particular analysis of the rules of language (i.e. Spanish grammar, French grammar, Japanese grammar, case grammar).
3. Quality of language
The spoken or written form of language somebody uses, as related to accepted standards of correctness.
Grammar is the set of rules that defines the way our language is spoken/written. Different languages follow different rules. These rules are to be obeyed in almost every instance- there are however exceptions to the rule; poetry is again one of those exceptions. Correct grammar can go a long way when attempting to get across an idea through textual communication, or when wanting to portray that you are not a twelve year old with little to no language skills.
Syntax: syn.tax [sin taks] (noun)
1. Organization of words into sentences
The ordering of and relationship between the words and their structural elements in phrases and sentences.
2. Branch of grammar
The branch of grammar that studies syntax.
3. Rules of syntax
An exposition of or set of rules for producing grammatical structures according to the syntax of a language.
Syntax can be defined as any and all of the above. Syntax is the branch of grammar which tells us what phrases or words can be put together in which order so that a sentence will make logical/formulaic sense. The rules of syntax are to be followed except for in certain cases. When dealing with poetry, the laws of syntax do not always need to be adhered to, there are other examples as well, but I won’t be going into them as I do not wish to spend the rest of my day defending and proving my points. By in large the rules of syntax are to be followed, unless you want people to mistake you for a small child just learning the ABC’s.
Spelling: spell.ing (noun)
1. Ability to spell
the ability to spell words correctly
2. Forming words by ordering of letters
the forming of words with letters in a conventionally accepted order
Correct spelling is also important toward proving that you are in possession of adequate communication skills. There are cases when it is acceptable to use shorthand, such as when note taking. There will always be occasions when a word or two will be misspelled, and that isn’t too big of a problem. The problem lies in when one misspells every other word they write. There are cases in which the spelling of a word will vary. Americans and Canadians for example, will spell the exact same word differently, i.e.: color (American spelling) and colour (Canadian spelling), both spellings are technically correct.
If you are going to use textual communication it’s a good idea to employ the skills your teachers spent years drilling into your heads. By putting your knowledge into practice you are in effect standing up and saying I am NOT a dimwit; I can articulate my thoughts, and express my ideas to others in a way that doesn’t make those that read my entries, posts, etc. want to groan and kick me off of their internet.
Thank you for your time. Please use text responsibly.
~Jam’s alter ego; The Grammar-Nazi.