He who formed the erroneous sentence, has in this case no alternative, but either to acknowledge the solecism, or to deny the authority of the rule.

There are disputable principles in grammar, as there are moot points in law; but this circumstance affects no settled usage in either; and every person of sense and taste will choose to express himself in the way least liable to censure.

All are free indeed from positive constraint on their phraseology; for we do not speak or write by statutes.

But the ground of instruction assumed in grammar, is similar to that upon which are established the maxims of _common law_, in jurisprudence.

The ultimate principle, then, to which we appeal, as the only true standard of grammatical propriety, is that species of custom which critics denominate GOOD USE; that is, present, reputable, general use.
4.