For several years you have been studying language and trying to improve your speech. Now you are old enough to take up in a definite way the special kind of language study called grammar.

In grammar, we study the ways in which words are put together to make good sentences. We have agreed that composition should be sincere, clear, interesting, and correct. Grammar helps chiefly in two ways. It gives rules for making (1) clear and (2) correct sentences. In studying grammar you will learn why many expressions for which you have been corrected are wrong. You will thus be able to correct your own mistakes.

Now, since all composition is made up of sentences, you will see that grammar, which teaches us how to make well-constructed sentences, is an important subject. Still you must remember that it does not teach everything about good speech. It will therefore be necessary to continue other language study in connection with grammar.

You must remember also that the rules of grammar will be of no use to you unless you apply them. You must have much practice in composition work, both oral and written; then, after all has been done for you that can be done in the classroom, you must still watch your own speech wherever you are. You will find all this real fun if you get your friends to help you, and if you give special attention to correcting one error at a time, and do not get discouraged.

Since grammar deals with sentences, it is necessary to understand just what a sentence is. Yow know, of course, that it is a group of words; but are you sure you can always tell whether a group of words is a sentence or not? Many older persons cannot do this. You will soon have a chance to test yourself.