1. Morphology: This deals with the internal structure of words, including how words are formed (e.g., prefixes, suffixes, compound words) and how they change their form (e.g., verb conjugation, noun plurals).
2. Syntax: This deals with the arrangement of words in sentences and how phrases and clauses are combined. It covers topics like word order, subject-verb agreement, and the different types of sentences (e.g., declarative, interrogative, imperative).
Beyond these two core areas, grammar can be further divided into more specific subfields:
* Phonology: The study of sound systems in a language, including pronunciation and intonation.
* Semantics: The study of meaning, including the meanings of words and sentences.
* Pragmatics: The study of language use in context, including how meaning can vary based on social factors, cultural norms, and other contextual elements.
* Historical linguistics: The study of language change over time.
Therefore, while there might not be a fixed number of "branches", these categories offer a comprehensive framework for understanding the various aspects of English grammar.