grammatical correctness

USAGE SUMMARY

"grammatical correctness" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the accuracy of grammar in a text. For example: "The essay was marked down for its lack of grammatical correctness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Grammatical correctness doesn't insure it.

The New Yorker

Along the way, though, grammatical correctness itself is becoming a strangely arbitrary notion.

The New York Times

The average New Yorker reader recognizes the effort the sentence exerts to maintain grammatical correctness, and in recognizing this, the reader bonds with the writer.

The New Yorker

In her ardor for grammatical correctness and her clear, entertaining ways of arguing and illustrating, Ms. Truss has prompted an almost inexplicable fervor.

The New York Times - Books

Just as the "s" on the end of Copaleens in English is not part of the proper noun but is an essential part of the grammatical correctness of the word, so do, too, the same rules apply to the "g".

The New York Times

Sometimes, when there's some discrepancy about grammatical correctness, and when there are some readers who are uncomfortable with or offended by a usage, "it sounds old-fashioned/awkward/silly/just wrong" is the best justification for a style ruling.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Correct grammatical and spelling errors.

WikiHow

Correct any grammatical errors and incomplete sentences.

WikiHow

Correct minor spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.

WikiHow

"Political correctness.

Independent

Notice a grammatical pattern?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for “grammatical correctness”, use style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style or the AP Stylebook to ensure consistency and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid blindly following prescriptive grammar rules without understanding their purpose. Sometimes, flexibility and context are more important than rigid adherence to outdated rules. Consider the impact on clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “grammatical correctness” functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it refers to the accuracy of grammar in a text. It's often used to describe the level of adherence to grammatical rules in writing or speech, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “grammatical correctness” is a noun phrase used to describe the accuracy of grammar in written or spoken language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase frequently found in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally considered grammatically sound, overemphasizing rigid rules can sometimes hinder effective communication. By following best practices and understanding common errors, writers can improve their “grammatical correctness” and enhance the clarity and credibility of their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correct grammar

A simpler and more direct way to express the same concept.

grammatical accuracy

Replaces "correctness" with "accuracy", emphasizing the precision of grammar.

proper grammar

Stresses adherence to established and accepted grammatical rules.

grammatical precision

Emphasizes the exactness and meticulousness of grammatical usage.

error-free grammar

Focuses on the absence of grammatical mistakes.

syntactic validity

Focuses on the structural integrity of sentences according to grammatical rules.

grammatical integrity

Highlights the completeness and consistency of grammatical structure.

linguistic propriety

Highlights adherence to accepted standards of language usage.

formal grammar

Refers to the type of grammar used in formal contexts, emphasizing its correctness.

standard grammar

Refers to the established rules and conventions of a language's grammar.

FAQs

How important is “grammatical correctness” in formal writing?

“Grammatical correctness” is crucial in formal writing as it enhances clarity, credibility, and professionalism. Errors can distract readers and undermine the writer's authority.

What's the difference between “grammatical correctness” and style?

“Grammatical correctness” refers to adhering to the rules of grammar, while style involves choices about word usage, sentence structure, and overall tone. Style is more about expression, whereas grammatical correctness ensures accuracy.

How can I improve my “grammatical correctness”?

To improve “grammatical correctness”, focus on reviewing grammar rules, practicing writing, seeking feedback, and using grammar-checking tools. Reading widely and attentively also helps.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase “grammatical correctness”?

You can use alternatives like "grammatical accuracy", "syntactic validity", or "linguistic propriety" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.