Grammar, in reference to any language, is the system of rules, principles, and facts which must be known in order to speak and write the language correctly. Comparative grammar treats of the laws, customs, and forms which are shown by comparison to be common to various languages; general or universal grammar, of those laws which, by logical deduction, are demonstrated to be common to all. The divisions of grammar vary with the class and also with the method of treatment. In common English grammars the division is generally fourfold: orthography, which treats of the proper spelling of words, and includes orthoepy, treating of the proper pronunciation; etymology, which treats of their derivations and inflections; syntax, of the laws and forms of construction common to compositions in prose and verse; prosody, of the laws peculiar to verse. Although the systematization of grammar had begun in some sort in Plato's time it was chiefly to the Alexandrian writers that it owed its development. The first Greek grammar for Roman students was that of Dionysius Thrax, in use about 80 BC. Comparative grammar can only be said to have existed from the beginning of the 19th century, when the critical study of Sanskrit established the affinities of the languages of the Indo-European group. The names of Bopp, Grimm, Pott, Schleicher, Milller, etc, are especially associated with its development. Research Grammar
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
General Information
Research Grammar
