An English grammar : conformed to present usage; with an objective method of teaching the elements of the English language

Front matter

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MBaaiamsis

X

Preface

(2.) Pupils can more easily and safely be thrown on themselves, to study with interest mid success during their study hour, independent of the constant supervision of the teacher. The evils of the object-lesson feature of oral instruction are thus avoided, and the habit of Belf-propelling earnest study is soon established in an entire class.

(3.) The more immediate utility of parsing words, in the correction of ordinary errors in speech can be used as a worthy incentive to inquisitive research for grammatical principles, when aided by Contents and Index.

6. Instead of arranging examples of false syntax as invariable, under a given rule or principle, I have found it more effective in exciting sharp discrimination to mingle violations with conformities, in exemplifying the application of nny rule, always inquiring the authority for any position taken by the pupil in disposition of any word.

DRILL IX SENTENTIAL ANALYSIS.

7. In Part V, I have given a succinct and yet an exhaustive discussion of the analysis of the English Sentence, with the method of drill. I claim that every possible combination of thought is provided for as expressed in the English Language.

The system of diagramming is my own, and is equal to any and every emergency. Its simplicity, its significance, and logical adaptation to every possible combination in sentential structure will, I trust, commend it to every unprejudiced teacher. Ijt is already used in thousands of schools, and when once introduced has never, so far as I know, been displaced.

EXHAUSTIVE SCHEDULES OF CONSTRUCTIONS.

8. I invite a rigid scrutiny in the examination of the various lists of constructions, especially of nouns and pronouns. If the pupil is familiarised with all the constructions within the limit of established usage, he can never be at fault for the solution of auy grammatical problem, nor can he ever be at loss as to the propriety of any expression he may be inclined to use.

SATISFACTORY DISPOSITION OF INFINITIVES AND PARTICIPLES.

9. I present the disposition of the infinite modes as simple, consistent, and satisfactory. The view here given of the nature and useof infinitives and participles I have been accustomed to present in the class-room for the past thirty years. It has been partially adopted by several grammarians, and every succeeding grammar published seems to approximate to this generalization.

EXAMPLES FOR DRILL IN PARSING AND ANALYSIS.

10. These have been selected with much care and arranged in groups for special drill in three departments of construction, viz.: Construction of Nouns and Pronouns; construction of Verb, finite and infinite ; general Constructions for Analysis. These in their respective departments Involve every idiomatic difhculty in the language.

THE OBJECTIVE METHOD OF TEACHING.

11. The objective method of teaching is so fully developed iu my Training Lessons, that I have thought it better to refer teachers to that volume rather tlinn to increase the bulk of this volume. The arrangement of this book is specially designed for the objective treatment of this subject.

RHETORICAL PRACTICE.

12. In Appendix IT, I have given a Schedule of one huudrod points in error for rhetorical criticism in class drills. For the first efforts in composition a few of these are selected by which the pupils correct their own errors. The number of the error is deeignated on the composition by the teacher, and tho pupil thus apprised consults the Schedule, and any other authority necessary, and tlins corrects his own work.

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History 1

Origin of Spoken Language 1

Origin of Written Language 1

Diversity of Languages 2

Time of Highest Development ..... 3

Chief Difference between Ancient and Modern Languages 3

Definitions 4

Natural Language ........ 4

Artificial Language ........ 4

Vocal Language 4

Written Language ........ 4

Symbolic Language ........ 4

Phonetic Language ........ 4

Pictorial Language . 4

Hieroglyphic Language ....... 4

Syllabic Language 4

Alphabetic Language ....... 4

Equivocal Language 4

Unequivocal Language ....... 4

Gesticulate Language . 5

GRAMMAR 5

Definitions 5

General or Universal Grammar 5

Particular Grammar 5

Orthoepy 5

Etymology 5

Lexicography 5

PART I 6 Orthoepy 6

Classification 6

Definitions .......... 6

Sound 6

1. Vibrations, often called Sound .... 6

VI

Contents

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2. Limit of Vibrations 6

3. Rate of Progress 7