An elementary grammar of the English language

Front matter

EGRESS,

UNITED STATES OE AMERICA.

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Preface

In this volume the Author has selected from his larger Grammar those portions which are purely of an elementary character, and which are studied by beginners in first going over the subject. The whole of Prosody, all of the chapter on the Derivation of Words, and the fine print matter of the other portions, are omitted. On the other hand, copious explanations, and a complete series of practical exercises, are appended to the several definitions and rules. The knowledge of each rule and definition is thus thoroughly tested and impressed on the memory before the pupil is allowed to proceed to more advanced knowledge.

The work, as now offered, is the result of long experience in the class-room, and of no little reading and study. The English language and its literature have been for many years the main subjects of the author's inquiry, and he has endeavored in this volume to give the results of his observations in the form which his experience as a teacher has convinced him to be the best adapted to the wants of the learner.

A word as to the method pursued. The author has endeavored to bear in mind that he was writing, not a treatise for the learned, but a text-book for learners. For such a book, —

The first and most imperative demand is clearness, — clearness of arrangement, and clearness of expression.

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IV PREFACE.

Next and hardly less imperative is the demand that the more and the less important should be carefully discriminated, and the difference plainly set forth to the eye.

A third imperative demand is that the rules, definitions, and other matter to be committed to memory, should be expressed with the utmost possible conciseness.

A fourth requisite is that every rule and definition should be supported and illustrated by a goodly array of apt practical examples. These are as necessary in teaching grammar as sums are in teaching arithmetic.

How far these things have been secured is for the reader to judge.

Preface, iii

Introduction, 7

Part L

ORTHOGRAPHY.

Part II. ETYMOLOGY

Nouns, 14

Articles, 25

Adjectives 26

Pronouns, 30

Verbs, . 37

Adverbs, 70

Conjunctions 74

Prepositions, • 75

Interjections, 77

Words used as Different Parts of Speech, 77

VI CONTENTS.