Functional grammar is an approach to understanding language that focuses on how words and sentences are used in context. It emphasizes the purpose of language in communication, examining how different grammatical structures serve specific functions, such as expressing ideas, emotions, or actions. This framework considers the relationship between language and its social context, highlighting how meaning is shaped by the situation in which it is used. By analyzing language in this way, functional grammar helps learners understand not just the rules of grammar, but also how to use language effectively in real-life interactions.