COMMON SCHOOL GRAMMAR; WITH MODELS OF CLAUSAL, PHRASAL, AND VERBAL ANALYSIS AND PARSING; GRADUALLY DEVEJ-OPING THR CONSTRUCTION OF THE ENGLISH SENTENCE. BY DAVID B. TOWER, A. M., 'ELEMENTS ""OBAL AUTHOR OF "GRADUAL LESSONS IN GRAMMAR," AND SEQUEL, BOSTON: CROSBY AND NICHOLS. HARVARD Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by ANNA E. TOWED. a the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetta Stereotyped by Hew England Type and Stereotype Foundery, BOSTON PREFACE. THE study of Grammar properly comprises a knowledge of the principles of language, and facility in its use. This knowledge is not attained by committing to memory many words about Grammar, nor by learning numerous technical distinctions, with little perceptible difference. The facts of Grammar, so far as settled, are prominent, and should not be subjected to unnecessary subdivisions. When these facts are illustrated, and the principles deduced from them are mastered by the understanding, the practical application of them in clausal, phrasal, and verbal Analyses and Parsing, will lay the foundation for construction. To facilitate this, much use has been made of models, to stimulate the student, as well as guide his efforts. If it be found that a principle or rule in this Grammar differs verbally from the same in the "Elements," be satisfied that it is well for intellectual growth, that a thought should have several suits of clothing, and be recognized in each that it should impress itself, not by its garb, but independently of wardrobe. In this respect, however, there is little to disturb the most conservative verbalist. The wants of the school-room, the wishes of teachers, and the demands of the public, have been considered, and an effort has been made to meet them; with what success, it remains for educators to say, to whose candid judgment this work is most respectfully submitted. The time has come when writing one's own language correctly is an essential part of education; and every year, parents, school committees, and the community will give it more prominence, till it holds a place in school studies commensurate with its importance. To facilitate the labors of teachers in this direction, a "Grammar of Composition" has been prepared, and is now extensively used, It is not intended that this Grammar should supersede the use of the "Grammar of Composition." The means of attaining to excellence in any art is twofold; by a study of its principles and by judicious exercise. The design of this work is, |