language historically, that it is very hazardous to make rules in grammar: what is at present regarded as correct may not be so twenty years from now, even if our rules are founded on the keenest scrutiny of the "standard" writers of our time. Usage is varied as our way of thinking changes. In Chaucer's time two or three negatives were used to strengthen a negation; as, "Ther nas no man nowher so vertuous" (There never was no man nowhere so virtuous). And Shakespeare used good English when he said more elder ("Merchant of Venice”) and most unkindest (“Julius Cæsar"); but this is bad English now. If, however, we have tabulated the inflections of the language, and stated what syntax is the most used in certain troublesome places, there is still much for the grammarian to do. Making rutes is risky. view. Surely our noble language, with its enormous A broader vocabulary, its peculiar and abundant idioms, its numerous periphrastic forms to express every possible shade of meaning, is worthy of serious study, apart from the mere memorizing of inflections and formulation of rules. Grammar is eminently a means of mental train- Mental training. ing; and while it will train the student in subtle An aesthetic and acute reasoning, it will at the same time, if benefit. rightly presented, lay the foundation of a keen observation and a correct literary taste. The continued contact with the highest thoughts of the best minds will create a thirst for the "well of English undefiled." Coming back, then, from the question, What What ground should grammar cover? we come to answer grammar is. The work it will cover. Authority as a basis. Literary Spoken Vulgar the question, What should grammar teach? and we give as an answer the definition, English grammar is the science which treats of the nature of words, their forms, and their uses and relations in the sentence. This will take in the usual divisions, "The Parts of Speech" (with their inflections), "Analysis," and "Syntax." It will also require a discussion of any points that will clear up difficulties, assist the classification of kindred expressions, or draw the attention of the student to everyday idioms and phrases, and thus incite his observation. A few words here as to the authority upon which grammar rests. The statements given will be substantiated by quotations from the leading or "standard" literature of modern times; that is, from the eighteenth century on. This literary English is considered the foundation on which grammar must rest. Here and there also will be quoted words and phrases from spoken or colloquial English, by which is meant the free, unstudied expressions of ordinary conversation and communication among intelligent people. These quotations will often throw light on obscure constructions, since they preserve turns of expressions that have long since perished from the literary or standard English. Occasionally, too, reference will be made to vulgar English,-the speech of the uneducated and ignorant, which will serve to illustrate points of syntax once correct, or standard, but now undoubtedly bad grammar. The following pages will cover, then, three divisions: Part I. The Parts of Speech, and Inflections. Part II. Analysis of Sentences. Part III. The Uses of Words, or Syntax. |