History of prescriptivism in English

History of prescriptivism in English: Many of the linguistic habits we are taught to avoid were only identified as “errors” by two influential English grammars.

A. Robert Lowth wrote A Short Introduction to English Grammar in 1762, and Lindley Murray followed in its footsteps with his English Grammar in 1794.

B. Because English had grown from a lowly vernacular to a language of worldwide influence, Lowth and Murray saw themselves as helping prepare English for its new role by giving it more “rules.” But they labored under various illusions that this course teaches us out of. The result was a realm of “blackboard grammar” caveats that, in truth, have no logical foundation.