Through language, we make edifying texts that describe our universe, from the smallest cell to the largest star system. We also use languages to create new universes, like Neverland, Westeros, Oz, and Tatooine. And every literary universe works like our universe: it has its own physics and rules that govern it--gravity, thermodynamics, the conservation of energy, etc. Without such rules, the universe would make no sense and fall apart. Similarly, language is governed by a set of universal rules that allow it to make sense. These rules are called grammar.
Grammar is the set of rules of writing that allow it to make sense.
The rules of the universe affect everything, both large and small. What's the smallest unit of matter? The tiniest piece? Most people say "an atom." We usually start at the atom, but that's incorrect. We need to think smaller: atoms are made of protons, electrons, and neutrons, which in turn are made of subatomic particles (which may or may no be made of tiny strings or even smaller particles or magic dust. I'm not a scientist.) Atoms are then put together to form element and molecules, which in turn can be combined to created proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and acids; these then form cells, which then form organs, which then form organisms. It's a chain of development, but we must acknowledge that it all starts smaller than the atom.
Language can be thought of in a similar fashion. We usually think the smallest unit of language is the sentences, but to get the full picture, we need to start smaller. The most basic unit of language is the letter. Letters combine to form words. Words combine into related groups called phrases. Some phrases are subjects, some are verb-oriented, and some are modifiers. When a subject phrase meets a verb phrase, a clause is formed. Clauses combine to form sentences, and sentences combine into paragraphs. From there, all writing is formed.
This mindset is key for thinking about grammar. Analysis of the parts of speech happens at the level of the individual word. Analysis at the level of groups of works (phrases, clauses, and sentences is called mechanics. Analysis at the level of paragraphs where sentences work together to create meaning is called usage.
Language can be thought of in a similar fashion. We usually think the smallest unit of language is the sentences, but to get the full picture, we need to start smaller. The most basic unit of language is the letter. Letters combine to form words. Words combine into related groups called phrases. Some phrases are subjects, some are verb-oriented, and some are modifiers. When a subject phrase meets a verb phrase, a clause is formed. Clauses combine to form sentences, and sentences combine into paragraphs. From there, all writing is formed.
This mindset is key for thinking about grammar. Analysis of the parts of speech happens at the level of the individual word. Analysis at the level of groups of works (phrases, clauses, and sentences is called mechanics. Analysis at the level of paragraphs where sentences work together to create meaning is called usage.
The word level: speech |
The sentence level: mechanics |