Question

What did the 18th century grammarians think about their role?

Hint:

The 18th century was an era of linguistic discipline — grammarians valued rules over natural language change.

Answer 1

Step 1: Historical Context.
During the 18th century, the English language underwent rapid standardization. Grammarians like Samuel Johnson, Robert Lowth, and Lindley Murray believed their role was to preserve the purity, clarity, and stability of English.
Step 2: Explanation.
They viewed themselves as the “guardians” of the language, responsible for setting rules and correcting common errors. Their aim was to fix English grammar, spelling, and pronunciation to ensure uniformity and respectability in educated society.
Step 3: Impact and Belief.
These grammarians believed that language should not change freely but must follow strict rules of correctness. They often relied on Latin models, creating prescriptive grammar — what people “should” say, rather than what they naturally spoke.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, 18th-century grammarians saw their role as lawgivers of English, codifying and refining it to achieve elegance, order, and permanence.