The proper study of a language is an intellectual discipline of the
highest order. If I except discussions on the comparative merits of
Popery and Protestantism, English grammar was the most important
discipline of my boyhood.--JOHN TYNDALL.


INTRODUCTION.


What various opinions writers on English grammar have given in answer
to the question, _What is grammar?_ may be shown by the following--

[Sidenote: _Definitions of grammar._]

English grammar is a description of the usages of the English
language by good speakers and writers of the present
day.--WHITNEY

A description of account of the nature, build, constitution, or
make of a language is called its grammar--MEIKLEJOHN

Grammar teaches the laws of language, and the right method of
using it in speaking and writing.--PATTERSON

Grammar is the science of _letter_; hence the science of using
words correctly.--ABBOTT

The English word _grammar_ relates only to the laws which govern
the significant forms of words, and the construction of the
sentence.--RICHARD GRANT WHITE