GRAMMAR is the science of language.
Grammar may be divided into two species, universal and particular.
UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR explains the principles which are common to all
languages.
PARTICULAR GRAMMAR applies those general principles to a particular
language, modifying them according to its genius, and the established
practice of the best speakers and writers by whom it is used. Hence,
_The established practice of the best speakers and writers_ of any
language, is the standard of grammatical accuracy in the use of that
language.
By the phrase, _established practice,_ is implied reputable, national,
and present usage. A usage becomes _good_ and _legal,_ when it has been
long and generally adopted.
_The best speakers and writers,_ or such as may be considered good
authority in the use of language, are those who are deservedly in high
estimation; speakers, distinguished for their elocution and other
literary attainments, and writers, eminent for correct taste, solid
matter, and refined manner.
In the grammar of a _perfect_ language, no rules should be admitted, but
such as are founded on fixed principles, arising out of the genius of
that language and the nature of things; but our language being
_im_-perfect, it becomes necessary, in a _practical_ treatise, like
this, to adopt some rules to direct us in the use of speech as regulated
by _custom_. If we had a permanent and surer standard than capricious
custom to regulate us in the transmission of thought, great
inconvenience would be avoided. They, however, who introduce usages
which depart from the analogy and philosophy of a language, are
conspicuous among the number of those who form that language, and have
power to control it.
Language is conventional, and not only invented, but, in its progressive
advancement, _varied_ for purposes of practical convenience. Hence it
assumes any and every form which those who make use of it choose to give
it. We are, therefore, as _rational_ and _practical_ grammarians,
compelled to submit to the necessity of the case; to take the language
as it _is_, and not as it _should be_, and bow to custom.
PHILOSOPHICAL GRAMMAR investigates and develops the principles of
language, as founded in the nature of things and the original laws of
thought. It also discusses the grounds of the classification of words,
and explains those procedures which practical grammar lays down for our
observance.
PRACTICAL GRAMMAR adopts the most convenient classification of the words
of a language, lays down a system of definitions and rules, founded on
scientific principles and good usage, illustrates their nature and
design, and enforces their application.
PRINCIPLE. A principle in grammar is a peculiar construction of the
language, sanctioned by good usage.
DEFINITION. A definition in grammar is a principle of language expressed
in a definite form.
RULE. A rule describes the peculiar construction or circumstantial
relation of words, which custom has established for our observance.
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