Excerpt from Complete English Grammar It is to be regretted that too often pupils lose the real benefit of their studies by the perverted use they make of them. To them a rule is a disagreeable necessity, not a valuable aid in their work. This book 'aims to show that the purpose of rules in grammar is solely to make plain and clear the principles of the language. In order to accomplish this end, every step is thoroughly explained and illustrated before any rule is given. The pupil is not allowed to have a definition, a rule, or a formula until he actually feels the need of it until he has thoroughly mastered the thought underlying the words, and is able to appreciate the fact that it is, after all, what oft was thought, but ne'er so well expressed. It thus becomes to him a privilege rather than a burden.