Full Idea
Essence is expressed by grammar. ...Grammar tells us what kind of object anything is.
Gist of Idea
Essence is expressed by grammar
Source
Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations [1952], §371-3)
Book Reference
Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Philosophical Investigations', ed/tr. Anscombe,E. [Blackwell 1972], p.116
A Reaction
Enigmatic, as usual. The second part seems to imply sortal essentialism, though the emphasis on grammar seems to make it highly conventional, rather than a reflection of 'real' sorts.