M a education paper-v methods of teaching english

4.4.2. Types of Grammar 
Grammar can be classified under the following heads. 
i. 
Prescriptive- Formula Grammar
ii. 
Descriptive – Functional Grammar 
4.4.2.1. (i). Prescriptive –Formula Grammar: 
Grammar laid down rules for all times and did not take in to account the changing 
usage of English. Such grammar was called prescriptive grammar, as it prescribed rules for 
everyone to follow without questioning. In the class room the teacher of such grammar was 
called formal grammar, as they proceeded from rules and definitions to examples. As we know, 
even these rules of language were not universal and there were many exceptions to them. 
Eg-plurals- book-books
Boy-boys 
but child- children 
Tenses- 
Walk-walked (past tenses)
But go-went
Talk-talked
But run-ran 
In teaching formal Grammar, the ever changing nature of the English language and using it 
meaningfully were totally ignored. 
 
4.4.2.2.(ii) Descriptive- Functional Grammar : 

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Grammar which follows usage as it develops and describes it from time to 
time, is called Descriptive Grammar. It takes notes of new usage as it appears from times to time 
in communication. 
In class room teaching such grammar is called functional Grammar. It is grammar which 
functions in speech. It enables the student to speaks and write correctly. It is better that 
functional grammar is taught for the first year or two. Then formal grammar which deals with 
rules classifications may be attempted. 
4.4.3. How much Grammar should be taught in English?  
A person’s ability in language is judged, not by the amount of grammar he 
knows but by his skill in using that language. At the same time we cannot say that they need not 
know any grammar. A judicious balance has to be struck between too much and too little 
grammar. 
The syllabus in grammar for secondary school has been prescribed all over the 
country, generally covering the following areas. 
i.