THE "OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE" GRAMMAR AND Analysis of the English Language, WITH NUMEROUS EXERCISES, ILLUSTRATIONS, AND CRITICAL NOTES, ESPECIALLY COMPILED FOR THE USE OF MIDDLE-CLASS SCHOOLS, AND AS A TEXT BOOK BY GEORGE GILL, Author of The "Oxford and Cambridge" Geography; The "Oxford and Cam- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. London: JOHN KEMPSTER & CO., 9 & 10, ST. BRIDE'S AVENUE, FLEET STREET, E.C. THE SCHOLASTIC COMPANIES, LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, AND BRISTOL. 30276 PREFACE. UXFORD THIS abridged treatise on the Grammar, Analysis and History of the English Language, is the result of a Teacher's experience. During the last sixteen years the practical value of the course contained in the following pages has been tested in training Pupil Teachers and Candidates for the Civil Service and other Competitive examinations. Much attention has been given to questions set by recent examiners, that the scope of the work may be sufficient for those who are preparing for the Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations, University Matriculation, and Teachers' Certificates. Its principle of arrangement is purely inductive; its Definitions are given in the simplest language possible; and its numerous Exercises, which are incorporated with the text they illustrate, are appropriate and exhaustive. As a class book it will be found suitable for either Elementary or advanced pupils. Those definitions and facts which every one should learn are printed in bold type; remarks intended for more advanced pupils, though clear, are less conspicuous; whilst further criticism and comparative notes, especially suitable for pupils learning other languages, arc contained in an Appendix. Perhaps on no subject, certainly on no school subject, are opinions more various than on that of English Grammar. This, no doubt, arises from the fact that most popular authors have studied their own language after they have learnt Latin, and through the medium of that tongue; hence they have written its Grammar with a classic pen and after the Latin model. Thus we find many inconsistencies even in the works of men whose great learning none would dispute. Among these may be noticed that some authors acknowledge a Future Tense in English, but at the same time deny the existence of a Potential Mood. Now there can be no reason for this anomaly, for if a syntactical distinction be recognised in one case, why should it not be in every case. Again, many learned writers say there is no Passive Voice in English, because it is not marked by an Inflexion; nevertheless, I think most English scholars will admit that the syntactical arrangements in English which mark such distinctions, deserve to be recognised as much as the Inflexions of other tongues. Therefore, in compiling this abridgment, I have treated our Language just as it is, and not as it should be, to harmonise with the Latin or any other model. I shall feel deeply grateful to teachers who may use this work for any practical suggestions that may extend the usefulness of future editions. GEORGE GILL. NEW BRIGHTON, CHESHIRE, December 1st, 1874. |