Grammaticality refers to whether a sentence conforms to the rules of grammar, but language is constantly changing so strict adherence to past rules is not always appropriate. A sentence is now considered grammatical if it is consistently used and understood by most native speakers of that language. Acceptability refers to the appropriate use of language in a given context - a sentence can be grammatically correct but unacceptable based on social norms or the situation. For example, casually greeting a principal with "Hi!" would be unacceptable even if grammatically correct.

1. GRAMMATICALITY
AND
ACCEPTABILITY
Anusha Das
Asst: Professor
Bishop Moore College
Mavelikara, Kerala

2. GRAMMATICALITY
•Traditionally a sentence was held to be
grammatical if it conformed to the rules laid
down by grammarians.
•With the development in the field of linguistics,
the attitude to grammar has undergone a
radical change.
•Changes are constantly taking place in
language.
•Eg fond-foolish ( Shakespeare’s time)

3. •In view of the changes that are taking place in
language, one cannot decide whether a
sentence is grammatical or ungrammatical,
based on past usage and conventions.
•A logical approach to grammaticality is to
consider a sentence grammatical if it is used by
majority of native speakers.
•The notion of grammaticality should adhere to
the generally followed conventions of the
speech community.

4. •It would reject sentences like
* He see not did me.
* I see to want her
•However careless they be, the native
speakers are not likely to produce such
deviant sentences which totally violate
commonly accepted rules in English.

5. •Expressions which are peculiar to the speech of a
region or a class (dialects) are also not considered
grammatical.
* I want them things
* I seen him.
•These expressions are used by a few native
speakers of English.
•But they are not representative of the general
speech patterns or habits of the community.
•Nor do they have the prestige of social acceptance.

6. •A construction is considered grammatical if
it is consistently used by a set of educated
native speakers.

7. ACCEPTABILITY
•The notion of acceptability is a matter of
appropriate use of language in a given situation.
•A sentence may be grammatical but not
acceptable in a given context.
•Moreover, there may be sentences which are
appropriate or acceptable in one situation but
not in the other.

8. •For instance, it would be unacceptable if a
student were to speak to the Principal thus:
* “Hi! How about a cup of coffee?”
•Or a husband telling to his wife:
* “Madam, will you be kind enough to excuse
my absence for two days?”

9. •These are grammatically correct sentences.
•However in given contexts, they are considered
inappropriate or unacceptable.
•They provoke laughter and may be used in
dramatic situations.