The
noun is the original and leading part of speech; the verb comes next in
order, and is far more complex than the noun. These two are the most
useful in the language, and form the basis of the science of grammar.
The other eight parts of speech are subordinate to these two, and, as
you will hereafter learn, of minor importance.
For all practical purposes, the foregoing definition and division of the
verb, though, perhaps, not philosophically correct, will be found as
_convenient_ as any other. I adopt them, therefore, to be consistent
with the principle, that, in arranging the materials of this treatise, I
shall not alter or reject any established definition, rule, or principle
of grammar, unless, in my humble judgment, some _practical advantage_ to
the learner is thereby gained. The following, some consider a good
definition.
A VERB is a word which _expresses affirmation_.
An _active verb_ expresses action; and
The _nominative case_ is the actor, or subject of the verb; as, _John
writes_.
In this example, which is the _verb?_ You know it is the word _writes_,
because this word signifies to _do;_ that is, it expresses _action_,
therefore, according to the definition, it is an _active verb_.
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