Which describes how language is actually spoken or written and does not prescribe usage?

Which describes how language is actually spoken or written and does not prescribe usage?

• A. Descriptive grammar
• B. Prescriptive grammar
• C. The Lexical Approach
• D. TBL

Answer: (A)

Descriptive grammar describes how language is actually spoken or written, capturing real usage without judging it or prescribing rules. It relies on data from conversations, texts, and other authentic sources to show patterns, variations, and changes across dialects and contexts. The idea is to document what people do with language, not tell them how they should use it. That contrasts with prescriptive grammar, which sets rules about the “correct” forms. The other options focus on different ideas—one centers on fixed expressions and vocabulary, and the other on a teaching method—so they don’t aim to describe everyday usage the way descriptive grammar does.

Descriptive grammar describes how language is actually spoken or written, capturing real usage without judging it or prescribing rules. It relies on data from conversations, texts, and other authentic sources to show patterns, variations, and changes across dialects and contexts. The idea is to document what people do with language, not tell them how they should use it. That contrasts with prescriptive grammar, which sets rules about the “correct” forms. The other options focus on different ideas—one centers on fixed expressions and vocabulary, and the other on a teaching method—so they don’t aim to describe everyday usage the way descriptive grammar does.