I.Definition[17]
II.Vowels and Consonants[26]
III.Diacritical Marks[36]
IV.Digraphs[49]
V.Diphthongs[57]
VI.Syllabification[68]
VII.Syllabification, Cont'd.[77]
VIII.Accent[87]
IX.Compound Words[96]
X.Prefixes and Suffixes[105]
XI.Derivatives[114]
XII.Derivatives, Cont'd.[126]
XIII.Silent E[137]
XIV.Words Ending in Y[146]
XV. Words with ei or ie[159]
XVI. Homonyms[168]
XVII.Derivative Nouns[178]
XVIII.Verbs with Prepositions[187]
XIX.Derivative Prepositions[199]
XX.Derivative Adverbs[211]
XXI.Derivative Adjectives[221]
XXII.Words in able and ible[231]
XXIII. Simplified Spelling [241]
XXIV.Verbs with Suffixes[254]
XXV.Cognate Sounds[256]
XXVI.Words beginning with dis[277]
XXVII.The prefixes in, un and mis[287]
XXVIII.Synonyms[297]
XXIX.Antonyms[308]
XXX.Common Errors [320]

PLAIN ENGLISH

Lesson I

Open Letter

Dear Comrade:

You are beginning a course of study in the use of Plain English. We do not know what your previous study may have been, but the object of this course is to give the basic principles and practice of the use of the English Language for the benefit of those who have not had the opportunity of a high school education and possibly have not finished in the grade school.

For this reason we have avoided, as much as possible, the statement of rules and formulas to be learned by rote and have made the few rules which it is necessary to know, grow naturally out of the need for them in the development of expression in language.

We have taken for granted several things in the preparation of this course. First, we assume that you have never studied grammar, or if you have, that you will be glad to review it in simplified form. This course does not follow the lines laid down by technical grammarians. It has been worked out on the basis of plain, common sense. Our purpose is not to make of you a grammarian, versed in the knowledge of rules and reasons, but to give you the power to express yourself more readily, fluently and correctly—in other words to speak and write good English.

Second, we assume that you are interested and willing to work and eager to increase your store of knowledge. Your progress in this branch of knowledge will depend, to a large extent, upon your own efforts. We have endeavored to avoid unnecessary and uninteresting rules and make the course as simple, clear and plain as possible; but that does not mean you will not have to work in order to master this study. We trust it will be pleasant and interesting work, bringing you joy as it brings you a growing sense of power.

Probably no two people will use the same plan of work. Your work, to be a pleasure, must express your own individuality. However, we want to make a few suggestions which we know from experience you will find helpful.