Difference between Grammar and Vocabulary

Key difference: Grammar is the set of rules that are to be followed while speaking or writing in a language. Vocabulary means all the words known and used by a person in a particular language.

Grammar Grammar can be roughly defined as a framework of rules and instructions, using which a person can properly construct sentences to speak, or to write in a language. The main function of grammar is concerned with the propriety of using a language. Derived from ancient Greek, the word grammar is often understood as an umbrella term to describe the various factors that go into communicating in a certain language. For instance, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, etc. are all considered to be a part of grammar, or grammar itself. Progression of expert communication through any language depends upon the mastery of its grammatical part.

Like any other language, grammar lessons are crucial to a person’s learning of the English language. English being such a vast language, it comprises of many rules and instructions. Fragments of English grammar such as tenses, preposition, punctuation, etc. help a beginner to use and modify words and sentences, which readily fit into context. Moreover, learning grammar allows beginners to be confident in their use of the language. Once a person is well versed with English grammar, he/she will have no problems in dealing with the different branches of the language, be it prose or poetry.

Vocabulary can be defined as all the words known and used by a person in a particular language. Each person has a set of words that he/she uses while communicating in a language. Over the years, as the person gets older and acquires new knowledge, he/she adds to his/her knowledge of words. The total amount of words that such a person knows and uses regularly while communicating, is his/her vocabulary. Vocabulary is something that a person keeps incessantly adding to throughout his/her life.

English is spoken universally, and is a very vast language. Throughout the centuries, the language has borrowed words from many cultures and civilizations inhabiting the world. Naturally, new words are continually formed and circulated among the people. To stay abreast of current news and happenings, a person has to acquaint himself/herself with such words. As a result, he/she learns new words and uses them in communication, thereby developing his/her existing vocabulary base. This is how a person adds to his vocabulary and expands it from time to time.

Comparison between Grammar and Vocabulary:

	Grammar	Vocabulary
Meaning	Grammar is the set of rules that are to be followed while speaking or writing in a language.	Vocabulary means all the words known and used by a person in a particular language.
Limitations	Grammar is a set of rules and instructions. They are limited in number.	Vocabulary means the number of words known and used by a person. There can be no bounds to a person’s vocabulary until his/her death.
Expansion	Grammar is the basic knowledge, which once learned is sufficient to the cause.	A person’s vocabulary can be enriched everyday.
Evolution	Grammar comprises of an established framework of rules and regulations. It doesn’t evolve regularly and vastly.	Vocabulary changes with the times and is constantly evolving.
Rules and regulations	Grammar contains rules and regulations which have to be followed.	Vocabulary doesn't comprise of rules or regulations. Meaning of a word and its remembrance are the only essentials here.