The Grammar of English Grammars

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

11615

Title

The Grammar of English Grammars

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Goold Brown's monumental treatise offers a comprehensive, critical, and methodical examination of English grammar. Blending historical analysis with practical exercises, it aims to resolve longstanding disputes in linguistic theory while providing students with the tools for precise expression and critical judgment.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Grammar of English Grammars*, Goold Brown presents a comprehensive and rigorous manual designed to purify the English language and resolve the 'scandalous errors' prevalent in contemporary grammatical texts. Distancing his work from mere compilations or abstract philosophical investigations, Brown aims to create a complete grammar that serves both students and advanced scholars. His primary objective is to settle the vexatious disputes that had long divided teachers, making the study of English grammar inviting and certain rather than unprofitable and chaotic. Brown argues that language is enduring and that its purification is a noble ambition. He contends that grammatical principles must become intuitive and immediate, regulating speech and writing before they occur, rather than serving as tardy afterthoughts. To achieve this readiness, he emphasizes the necessity of practical exercises, such as parsing correct sentences and correcting improprieties, which train the mind to perceive regularity and order. By dividing complex topics into manageable parts, he ensures that difficult concepts become familiar through disciplined practice. The text is methodically arranged to extend grammatical rules, improve phrasing, and establish a clear order for vast particulars. It includes numerous examples, exercises for writing and parsing, and observations on syntax, etymology, and usage. Brown challenges prevailing doctrines by citing authorities like Lowth and Murray while offering his own reasoned corrections, ensuring full transparency regarding the origins of his content. He avoids anonymous copying, providing a fair estimate of his work's merits. Throughout the volume, Brown addresses specific linguistic issues, such as the placement of prepositions, the distinction between 'into' and 'in,' and the proper usage of conjunctions and pronouns. He critiques the stereotyped remarks found in other grammars, often correcting them with evidence from respected sources. The work stands as a significant historical document in the evolution of English linguistic thought, reflecting the 19th-century scholarly effort to systematize and standardize the language. By furnishing new illustrations and arranging particulars for easy access, Brown facilitates the study of the English language without abridging its code, aiming to secure the power of apt expression and critical skill for all who engage with his text.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Grammar
• Language Arts