Practical Grammar and Composition

"P ractical Grammar and Composition" by Thomas Wood is a comprehensive educational guide centered on English grammar and writing, likely written in the late 19th century. The work aims to provide adult learners with the tools to express themselves clearly and correctly in English, focusing on the principles of sentence structure, grammar, and everyday composition skills, such as letter writing. The beginning of the text introduces the author's motivations and experiences that led to the creation of this grammar guide. It highlights the need for a practical and direct approach to teaching English to adult students who may only require the basics for effective communication. Emphasizing simplicity and dignity in instruction, the preface outlines the book's structure, which includes a variety of exercises intended to reinforce the lessons on fundamental grammatical concepts. The opening sets the stage for a text dedicated to enhancing the reader's understanding of the English language and its practical applications in writingSENTENCES.-PARTS OF SPEECH.-ELEMENTS OF THE SENTENCE.-PHRASES AND CLAUSES 1 . In thinking we arrange and associate ideas and objects together. Words are the symbols of ideas or objects. A SENTENCE is a group of words that expresses a single complete thought. 2. SENTENCES are of four kinds: 1. DECLARATIVE; a sentence that tells or declares something; as, That book is mine. 2. IMPERATIVE; a sentence that expresses a command; as, Bring me that book. 3. INTERROGATIVE; a sentence that asks a question; as, Is that book mine? 4. EXCLAMATORY; a declarative, imperative, or interrogative sentence that expresses violent emotion, such as terror, surprise, or anger; as, You shall take that book! or, Can that book be mine?