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Lindley Murray, the Father of English Grammar was born on the 22nd of April 1745 in Pennsylvania, United States. He wrote many English Grammar books for American and British schools. Murray was one of the prominent writers during the time of the American Revolution. Furthermore, his 1795 book on the Grammar of the English language gained immense popularity and remained an important textbook for more than 50 years in America and England. Some of his later books, English Reader and The English Exercises, which went through several editions, also became standard textbooks in many countries.
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Must Read: 15 Best English Grammar Books for Beginners, and College Students
What makes Lindley Murray the “Father of English Grammar?”
Lindley Murray’s journey to becoming the father of English grammar was full of struggles. Before becoming a writer, he went to New York and practised law.
- In 1795, Murray’s career in the English language began when he went to England and started writing Grammar books.
- The next 50 years were very successful for him as he remained the best-selling author in the world.
- There were more than 50 million copies of Murray’s literacy works printed which mostly included English Grammar books.
- Additionally, all the achievements and contributions he made towards English grammar earned him the title of ‘Father of English Grammar.’
Also Read: 9 Basic Rules in Grammar to Improve Your English
What was the Life of Lindley Murray?
Lindley Murray was born to Robert Murray and Mary Lindley in Pennsylvania. His parents were both Quakers and his father was an Irish immigrant. Murray was the eldest son among his twelve siblings.
- In 1763 he began working as a lawyer on apprenticeship.
- After marrying Hannah Dobson in 1767 he moved to England and later returned to America after making a successful career in America.
- Later, in 1784 after his health deteriorated he returned to England for a change in environment.
What are the Literary Works by Lindley Murray?
Lindley Murray wrote so many famous works which made him a popular writer. His most famous work gave a new outlook to the world of writing. Moreover, Murray took English Grammar to the next level by providing content that is different and useful for the readers. Hence, here are some of the famous literary works by Lindley Murray.
| Literary Works by Lindley Murray | |
| Power of Religion on the Mind (1787) | Introduction to English Reader (1818) |
| The English Reader, or Pieces in Prose and Poetry (1799) | English Exercises: Adapted to Murray’s English Grammar (1797) |
| Murray’s English Grammar | Compendium Of Religious Faith And Practice (1817) |
| The English Reader (1811) | Sequel to the English Reader, or Elegant Selections in Prose and Poetry (1817) |
| An English Grammar (1816) | An Abridgment of L. Murray’s English Grammar (1797) |
| An English spelling book (1806) | Sentiments of Pious and Eminent Persons on the Pernicious Tendency of Dramatic Entertainments and Other Vain Amusements (1790) |
| An Abridgement of Murray’s English Grammar, and Exercises; With Questions | The English Reader, or, Pieces in Prose and Poetry (1815) |
| Murray’s English Reader | Introduction to the English Reader, Or A Selection of Pieces (1815) |
| The English reader: or, Pieces in prose and poetry (1799) | A Biographical Sketch of Henry Tuke |
| Murray’s English Reader: Or, Pieces in Prose and Poetry (1824) | The Etymology and Syntax of [L.] Murray’s English Grammar |
| Introduction to the English Reader (1816) | Narratives of Colored Americans |
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Contribution by Murray towards English Grammar
Murray has contributed significantly when it comes to English Grammar. He wrote some of the most famous English Grammar that were best sellers of the time. Moreover, Murray’s books were used to teach in several schools and colleges.
- Murray also faced criticism from many other grammarians of later times due to the huge success he received.
- He was considered to be one of the most influential grammarians of the 18th as well as 19th century where several writers mentioned him in his writings.
- Some of the greatest writers such as Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby, Oscar Wilde, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and George Eliot mentioned Murray in their works.
Also Read: English Language Grammar Cheatsheet
Murray’s Division of English Grammar
Lindley Murray always used simple language in his writings as he thought that difficult verses would confuse the readers. He understands that English grammar comes with specific instructions, rules and detailed explanations so he provided easier explanations. Murray mainly divided English Grammar into four major categories which are:
- Orthography: It is the sound and form of letters that first combine into syllables, which are then converted into words.
- Etymology: It is the study of the origin of words and the methods by which their meanings have changed over time
- Prosody: The rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation of sentences and words.
- Syntax: The arrangement of phrases and words to create proper sentences in the English language.
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FAQs
Lindley Murray is known as the father of English Grammar.
Some of the famous works of Lindley Murray are “The English Reader, or Pieces in Prose and Poetry” (1799), Murray’s English Grammar, An English Grammar (1816), Introduction to English Reader (1816), and many more.
Geoffrey Chaucer is known as the father of the English language.
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