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Correct use is not founded on Grammar, but Grammar on correct use.

— Richard Whately Elements of Rhetoric (1828)

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More quotes by Richard Whately

It is a folly to expect men to do all that they may reasonably be expected to do.

He that is not aware of his ignorance, will be only misled by his knowledge.

Thoughts and Apophthegms from the Writings of Archbishop Whately (1856)

"Honesty is the best policy;" but he who acts on that principle is not an honest man.

A benevolent disposition is, no doubt, a great help towards a course of uniform practical benevolence; but let no one trust to it, when there are other strong propensities, and no firm good principle.

No one complains of the rules of Grammar as fettering Language; because it is understood that correct use is not founded on Grammar, but Grammar on correct use. A just system of Logic or of Rhetoric is analogous, in this respect, to Grammar..

Elements of Rhetoric (1828)

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