A PRACTICAL GRAMMAR OF THE French Language, ILLUSTRATED BY COPIOUS EXAMPLES AND EXERCISES, SELECTED FROM THE MOST APPROVED FRENCH WRITERS; DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE STUDENTS. By J. ROWBOTHAM, AUTHOR OF A GERMAN GRAMMAR, &C. AND MASTER OF THE London: Printed for BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY; 1826. 261. PREFACE. 14 MANY and various have been the opinions of the learned, in different ages of the world, respecting the easiest mode of acquiring languages. The general opinion, of late years, appears to have been, that it was necessary to begin with the study of grammar; but there are persons who justly contend, that we should at the same time acquire a knowledge of words, in order that we may form clear conceptions) of the principles by which their composition and order are to be regulated. For this purpose, the aim of the Author has been to combine practice with principles; and that the student may lose as little time as possible, he has introduced exercises from the best French writers, by which he trusts the pupil may, whilst he is learning the language, acquire some knowledge of men and things. A knowledge of the French tongue is peculiarly valuable, not only on account of its being in a great degree the universal language of Europe, but because it contains treasures of inestimable value, both in science and literature. Yet, it is to be regretted, that the means of acquiring this knowledge should not have hitherto been commensurate with its importance. The French Grammars have generally been the productions of Frenchmen who may have been well acquainted with their own language, but who have been unable, either to feel or understand the difficulties against which Englishmen have to contend, "The It is not, however, the object of the Author to enter into particular details respecting their defects; but merely to state that one great disadvantage attending most of them is, that the first exercises commence with long sentences, which require the application of most, or all, of the rules of Syntax. The plan of this work is, in some respects, similar to that of the Author's German Grammar, which has already obtained no inconsiderable share of public approbation. exercises increase in difficulty by regular and almost imperceptible gradations, commencing with the articles and nouns which are sufficiently difficult for beginners; then proceeding with the articles, nouns, and adjectives, and so on through the other parts of speech in regular succession." The writer has endeavoured to make the principal rules as short as the nature of the subject would admit; and has caused the observations and notes to be printed in a smaller type, so that it be unnecessary for the learner to commit them to memory; but merely to read them, particularly, on first going through the Grammar. may Although the rules and arrangement differ materially from the works of preceding writers, yet it may be |