A Study on the Use of Future Expressions in Prescriptive and Descriptive Grammar

초록

This study aims to examine how grammatical forms for futurity are used in the two contrasting grammars: prescriptive vs. descriptive. From a prescriptive grammar perspective, it investigates how future expressions are standardized or simplified for correct use in ESL/EFL grammar guidelines. On the other hand, from a descriptive grammar perspective, it explores a wide range of future tense choices made by native English speakers in real language-use situations. Accordingly, the main purpose of this study is to find out a discrepancy between the standard use of future expressions (i.e. will-future or be going to-future) within a prescriptive grammar framework and the language users’ choice of future tenses (i.e. non-will future or non-be going to future) within a descriptive grammar framework. Through a comparative data analysis of ESL/EFL pedagogical grammar textbooks and authentic usage in native English speakers’ discourse, this study seeks to identify drawbacks or shortcomings imposed by a misleading presentation of future time expressions in ESL/EFL grammar-reference materials, and then propose pedagogical or pragmatic implications that lead to a more effective recognition of natural usage patterns or tendencies of future time expressions in real-world communications.

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