Which of the following statements best characterizes the concept of generative grammar?

• A. Generative grammar is a set of rules that enables speakers to produce and understand an infinite number of sentences in a language.
• B. Generative grammar focuses solely on the memorization of vocabulary and phrases.
• C. Generative grammar is primarily concerned with the social context in which language is used.
• D. Generative grammar describes language as a fixed collection of sentences that cannot be expanded.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that generative grammar is a theory in linguistics and psychology that explains how humans can produce and comprehend an infinite number of sentences, including ones they have never heard before.
2. Step 2: Recognize that generative grammar is based on a set of formal rules or principles that generate all possible grammatical sentences in a language, rather than relying on memorization of fixed phrases or vocabulary.
3. Step 3: Note that generative grammar is distinct from approaches that focus on social context or language use in communication; it is primarily concerned with the underlying structure and rules of language.
4. Step 4: Eliminate options that describe language as a fixed collection of sentences or focus solely on memorization or social context, as these do not capture the generative aspect of the theory.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best characterization of generative grammar is that it is a set of rules enabling speakers to produce and understand an infinite number of sentences in a language.