Question

What did the 18th century grammarians share with the Age?

Hint:

Link the actions of historical figures (like grammarians) to the dominant philosophy of their time. The 18th century's focus on 'reason' and 'order' is the key to understanding their prescriptive approach to language.

Answer 1

The 18th-century grammarians shared the era's characteristic spirit of order, logic, and rationalism, often called the Augustan Age or the Age of Reason. They felt that English was chaotic and unruly and aimed to 'fix' it by prescribing rigid rules of grammar, often based on Latin models. Their goal was to standardize the language, correct supposed errors, and prevent it from changing, reflecting the age's desire for stability and correctness in all aspects of life.