Strengths and weaknesses of generative grammar are examined by an apologist for the traditionalists. Criticism is directed toward difficulties encountered by the layman in comprehending texts on linguistic theories, linguists' use of jargon and pet formulas, and unwieldy amounts of terminology constantly being developed. Special attention is directed to criticism of generative analysis, including division of clausal sentences, and concepts of kernel sentences and transformations. Linguistic problems raised by generative grammar are illustrated by frequent analysis of specific examples. A brief overview of the traditional, structural, and generative schools of grammar is presented with emphasis on their interrelationship and present trends. (AF)