A Grammar of the English Language, in a Series of Letters
Intended for the Use of Schools and of Young Persons in General; But, More Especially for the Use of Soldiers, Sailors, Apprentices, and Plough-Boys

Used in English schools into the twentieth century, this 1819 publication provides practical explanations of a range of grammatical terms.

William Cobbett (Author)

9781108069946, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 March 2014

192 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.1 cm, 0.25 kg

Indefatigable as a writer and reformer on rural and political questions in his native Britain, William Cobbett (1763–1835) wrote the present work during the period he spent as a farmer in the United States. Intended for young people and especially 'soldiers, sailors, apprentices, and plough-boys' (Cobbett had himself been one of the latter), it provides concise and practical explanations of grammatical terms, touching on aspects of orthography, prosody, etymology and syntax. First published in December 1818 and used in English schools into the twentieth century, it is reissued here in the version printed in London in 1819. Cobbett demonstrates in a series of letters to his son the fundamental importance of good grammar and clarity of expression. To emphasise this point, he includes 'specimens of false grammar' in the writings of Samuel Johnson as well as 'errors and nonsense' in a speech given by George III.

Dedication
1. Introduction
2. Definition of grammar
3. Parts of speech
4. Etymology of articles
5. Etymology of nouns
6. Etymology of pronouns
7. Etymology of adjectives
8. Etymology of verbs
9. Etymology of adverbs
10. Etymology of prepositions
11. Etymology of conjunctions
12. Cautionary remarks
13. Syntax generally considered
14. Syntax
15. Syntax, as relating to articles
16. Syntax, as relating to pronouns
17. Syntax, as relating to pronouns
18. Syntax, as relating to adjectives
19. Syntax, as relating to verbs
20. Syntax, as relating to adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions
21. Specimens of false grammar, taken from the writings of Dr Johnson and Dr Watts
22. Errors and nonsense in a king's speech
23. On putting sentences together, and on figurative language.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]