The History of English Grammar

Want to know how it all began? John Lismo explains.

The first stage of development of the English grammar started during the early 16th century. William Bullokar wrote and published a book entitled “Pamphlet for Grammar” in 1586. Bullokar wrote the book to purposely address the development of the English language in Latin America. The book contained Bullokar’s traditional grammar which was vigilantly remodeled by the “Latin Grammar” approach of William Lily in his book entitled “Rudimenta Grammatices” published in 1534. King Henry VIII prescribed the use of Lily’s grammar in teaching the English language in 1542. Bullokar’s grammar in many of his writings were said to be adapted from the traditional “Reformed Spelling System” of 16th century England. In 1685, Christopher Cooper wrote the first English grammar book in Latin entitled “Grammatica Linguae Angelicance”.

During the late 19th century, a renowned grammar writer named Lindley Murray cited the role of “Grammatical Authorities” in developing the use of the English language in many European and other Western countries. According to Murray’s study, the use of Latin in interpreting the English grammar was distinguished from the Ancient Greek approach of the English language. During the start of the 17th century, the development of the grammar primarily focused on tradition. The significance of the use of English grammar played a huge role in the commercialization of western societies. It was also during the early 17th century where the use of the “Grammar Writing” was introduced. A series of techniques in improving grammatical skills through speaking and writing were introduced in many European countries during the mid-17th century. In 1711, two books about the role of the grammar in Latin countries were published. The two books are the following:

* “A Grammar of the English Tongue” by John Brightland. Released during the early 18th century, the book contains Brightland’s writings on the techniques of developing the English language through improvement of grammatical skills in the mid-17th century.

* “Essay towards a Practical Grammar Usage” by James Greenwood. The book contains the use of grammar in targeting people with no Hispanic or Latin cultural background.

A total of 16 new grammars based from Pamphlet for Grammar were introduced during the late 17th century. It took more than 115 years before 270 grammar titles were added during the last years of the 17th century. During the first half of the 19th century, a total of 900 books about the significance of grammar in the English language were published. Many of the 900 books made use of the “Egalitarian” and “Utilitarian” method. In 1848, Edward Shelley wrote a book entitled “The People’s Grammar: English Grammar Difficulties for the Million” in 1848. The book was written for the 18th century young readers who are acquiring in-depth knowledge in developing grammatical skills from the English language. William Cobbett’s “A Grammar of the English Language: In a Series of Letters” was also published in 1848. Cobbett’s writings were said to intend the significance of developing grammatical skills in writing and speaking English among students, sailors, soldiers and young apprentices.

About the Author

John Lismo is passionate about English grammar and suggests that you go to the official English Grammar website for more grammar lessons, rules, and news for everyday use.