English Grammar, Adapted to the Different Classes of Learners (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1817. Excerpt: ... CHASTER VI. Of Verbs. Section I. Of the nature of Verbs in generals' A Verb is a word which signifies to Be, to Do, or to Suffer; as, " I am, I rule, I am ruled." Verbs are of three kinds; Active, Passive, and Neuter. They 'are also divided into ReguLar, Irregular, and DEFECTIVE. A Verb Active expresses an action, and necessarily implies an agent, and an object acted upon: as, to love; "I love Penelope." A Verb Passive expresses a passion or a suffering, or the receiving of an action; and necessarily implies an object acted upon, and an agent' by which it is acted upon: as, to be loved; "Penelope is loved by me.." A Verb Neuter expresses neither action nor passion, but being, or a state of being: as, "I am, 1 sleep, I sit ." The verb active is also called transitive, because the action passes over to the object, or has an effect upon some 1 '--1 1 '-1 1 1.. Verbs have been distinguished by some writers, into the following kinds. 1st. Active-transitive, Or those which denote an action that passed from the agent to some object: as, Cxsar conquered Pompey. 2d. Active-intransitive, or those which express that kinrl of action, which has no effect upon any thins beyond the agent himself: as, Caesar walked. 3d. Passive, or those which express, not action, but passion, whether pleasing or painful: as, Portia was loved; Pompey was conquered. 4th. tfeuter, or those which express an attribute that consists neither in action nor passion: as, CxsJr stood. This appears to be an orderly arrangement, But if the class of active-intramiiive verbs were admitted, it would rather perplex than assist the learner: for the difference between verbs active and neuter, as transitive and intransitive, is easy and obvious; but the difference between verbs absolutely neuter and intr...