What does grammatically mean?
Grammatically is an adverb meaning in accordance with the rules and conventions of grammar. It is commonly used to describe a sentence, utterance, or piece of writing whose words are arranged according to accepted grammatical principles, as in “the sentence is grammatically correct.” The word can refer to syntax, word order, agreement, tense, and other structural features of language. Saying that something is grammatically correct does not necessarily mean that it is elegant, persuasive, or even easy to understand: a text may be structurally sound but awkward, and a deliberately informal expression may violate standard grammar while remaining natural in its context. Grammatically is therefore especially useful in education, editing, and linguistic analysis, where it helps distinguish correct structural form from other qualities of effective writing. It is also sometimes used more broadly to indicate adherence to the conventions of a particular language or variety.
adverbIn accordance with the rules and conventions of grammar. It describes language that is structurally correct according to grammatical principles.
- In accordance with the rules or conventions of grammar.
"The editor revised the sentence so that it read grammatically."
"Her response was concise, natural, and grammatically correct."
"The speech was moving, although several of its constructions were not grammatically standard."
A sentence can be clearly understood and still be grammatically incorrect, reminding us that meaning and structure are different linguistic achievements.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does grammatically come from?
“Grammatically” was formed in English by adding the adverb-forming suffix -ly to “grammatical.” “Grammatical” in turn derives from “grammar,” which entered English through Old French from Latin “grammatica,” ultimately based on Greek terms associated with “gramma,” meaning letter or writing. The same roots also appear in related words such as “grammarian,” meaning a specialist in grammar, and “grammar,” the system of rules governing language.
Related word forms
How grammatically is actually used
The adverb is standard in formal and informal English. It is often used in academic editing, education, and criticism to assess sentence structure, although grammatical correctness alone does not guarantee clarity, style, or effective communication.
Easily confused with grammatically
Grammatically is an adverb describing how something is done, while grammatical is an adjective describing something that conforms to grammatical rules.