Descriptivism
The linguistic approach that describes how language is actually used, without judging correctness. Descriptivism focuses on actual language patterns.
Real World
The Oxford English Dictionary added 'innit' and 'selfie' as legitimate entries because descriptivist lexicographers document real usage patterns rather than excluding informal or new vocabulary.
Exam Focus
Contrast descriptivism with prescriptivism using a concrete example; avoid stating descriptivists think 'anything goes' — they analyse, not endorse.
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