JOURNAL ARTICLE

Garner the Grammarian.

  • Published In: National Review, 2025, v. 77, n. 10. P. 78 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: GARNER, BRYAN A. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article explores the historical and contemporary debate surrounding the classification of parts of speech in English grammar. It highlights the lack of consensus among grammarians, with counts ranging from 3 to 33 parts of speech, and notes that modern linguists prefer the term "word classes." The piece traces the evolution of grammatical classification from ancient Greek and Roman scholars to 18th-century figures like Joseph Priestley, who established the traditional eight parts of speech commonly taught today. It concludes by acknowledging the ongoing variability and fluidity in how parts of speech are defined and categorized in modern grammar. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:National Review. 2025/10, Vol. 77, Issue 10, p78
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Biography
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0028-0038
  • Accession Number:187450856
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