FOR ASSISTING THE MORE ADVANCED STUDENTS TO WRITE WITH They who are learning to compose and arrange their sentences with accuracy and BLAIR. ENLARGED BY THE REV. JOHN DAVIS, A.M. Editor of Eton Latin Grammar Improved, Walker's Dictionary Enlarged, BELFAST: Printed and Published by SIMMS & M'INTYRE, DONEGALL STREET. 1830. TO THE BELFAST EDITION OF MURRAY'S ENGLISH GRAMMAR. THIS edition of MURRAY'S Duodecimo Grammar is interspersed with the following important improvements. In ORTHOGRAPHY is exhibited a comparative view of the different opinions held by our best grammarians, respecting the nature and number of the simple vowelsounds; with various observations on the most correct method of spelling words. In ETYMOLOGY are given the sentiments of both ancient and modern writers, with respect to the exact number of the parts of speech; the formation of the plural number; the grammatical meaning of the words case and declension; the essence or nature of the verb; and the origin and properties of almost all the parts of speech. In SYNTAX, the rules are expressed as concisely as was deemed consistent with perspicuity; and various modes of speaking and writing, which might embarrass the pupil, are noticed, and the most approved pointed out. In COMPOSITION, a great quantity of new and important matter has been introduced. Indeed, few works, expressly written on the subject, contain so many appropriate observations as that with which the reader is here presented. It is hoped that, from a careful perusal of this volume, it will be readily acknowledged, that no single work yet published in the United Kingdom contains so much useful information, either on the subject of Grammar, or that of Composition. Hence, by a diligent application to the Rules and Observations now given, the student may acquire a more scientific and practical knowledge of his native tongue, and a greater facility in composition, than was hitherto in his power. Belfast, August, 1830. |