Enlarged, rewritten, and adapted to the 18th Edition of the Grammar. LONDON: LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE TWELFTH EDITION OF THE EXERCISES. A FEW WORDS explanatory of the alterations made in the present edition may be desirable on this occasion. In the Competitive and Middle Class Examinations, now so extensively adopted, such a degree of attention has of late been bestowed on certain branches connected with language, as to have necessitated a re-arrangement of various portions of the Grammar, a modification of a few of the rules, and a more ample development of others. Hence, to render this companion volume in strict harmony with that work, a corresponding alteration of the various parts was requisite. The short rules prefixed to the former editions of this volume have been withdrawn, and appropriate Questions substituted in their place, that the pupil may become more familiarized with all the subjects. These are given in the exact order of the corresponding sentences in the Grammar. Nearly all the sentences, consisting of violations of the Grammatical Rules, have been retained, but, in many places, differently arranged, that each exercise might be rendered more effective. Many of the chapters have been considerably enlarged, particularly those in Orthography, Derivation, Parsing, Syntax, and Prosody. Several new lessons on the Analysis of Sentences have been annexed at the close. The illustrative Extracts have been selected for the double purpose of forming suitable exercises, and of conveying some useful moral sentiment worth retaining. The opportunity afforded by recasting the work has been embraced of incorporating whatever seemed calculated to increase its efficiency as an auxiliary of the Grammar. It may thus, it is to be hoped, be fairly asserted that whoever shall be able correctly to answer the Questions and work the Exercises herein contained will have acquired a sound knowledge of the true principles of the English language. February 1867. PREFACE. FEW WORDS will be sufficient to explain the nature and utility of this Work. 1. The mere perusal of any didactic treatise, however plain its rules, and however cogent the author's reasoning may be, frequently conveys to the undisciplined mind only inadequate and transient ideas. This is particularly the case when the facts and principles are numerous, or when the subject is of such a nature as to require a greater degree of application than ordinary. In such instances, how little, how very little, in comparison of the whole, does the strongest capacity retain. If these remarks are applicable to individuals who feel interested in a subject, with how much greater force do they apply to the young. Persons accustomed to tuition well know that the natural volatility of youth renders them satisfied with the most vague and erroneous conceptions. Something is necessary, therefore, in their case, to induce them to consider a subject in all its bearings, that so it may become intelligible and familiar to the mind. Nothing conduces more to this end than frequent oral interrogations, pertinent illustrations, and a series of exercises on the various rules. 2. Besides familiarizing the subject to the pupil, there are additional advantages to recommend the adoption of this method. By constantly analyzing sentences, we not only readily detect the inaccuracy of any expression, which, from its not being inharmonious, would easily escape the vigilance of the ear; but, by being led to examine the signification of words, we gradually acquire the habit of correct verbal discrimination. Strange as it may appear, it is nevertheless true, that |