Grammar police Meaning in English

expression

US

GRAM-er puh-LEES

UK

gram-UH puhl-EES

Definition

A humorous or critical term for people who often correct others' grammar mistakes, usually in writing or online.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly informal and used online or in casual speech. Can be playful or a little annoying depending on tone. Usually not an official role—refers to individuals who correct language, sometimes excessively.

• Spanish: policía de la gramática
• Portuguese (BR): polícia da gramática
• Portuguese (PT): polícia da gramática
• Chinese (Simplified): 语法警察
• Chinese (Traditional): 文法警察
• Hindi: व्याकरण पुलिस
• Arabic: شرطة النحو
• Bengali: ব্যাকরণ পুলিশ
• Russian: грамматическая полиция
• Japanese: 文法警察
• Vietnamese: cảnh sát ngữ pháp
• Korean: 문법 경찰
• Turkish: dilbilgisi polisi
• Urdu: گرامر پولیس
• Indonesian: polisi tata bahasa

Example Sentences

My friend is the grammar police in our chat group.

basic

Don't be the grammar police when someone makes a mistake.

basic

The grammar police always correct my posts online.

basic

Here comes the grammar police—better double-check your sentences!

natural

Some people act like the grammar police even in friendly chats.

natural

Whenever I use the wrong 'their,' the grammar police show up in the comments.

natural