Early works on grammar had been written for the purpose of teaching, however, in the eighteenth century, grammar started to be seen as a subject to be studied in itself. A huge outburst of interest in the English grammar took place. People in the eighteenth century looked for stability, a strong sense of order, and a desire for system and regularity. At this time, the English language did not have those characteristics. All grammarians became interested in fixing the English language including more practical and less gifted grammarians. They turned philosophical concerns into linguistic prescriptions. .
In the eighteenth century, the English language was uncertain. It was attempted to be modified in three ways. The first way was to reduce the language to rule and set up a standard of correct usage. They also tried to refine it and to fix it permanently in the desired form. Grammarians of the eighteenth century had a need for standardization and regulation, so they wanted everything to be perfect. Eighteenth century grammarians aimed to improve the language. Many of the conventions now accepted and held up as preferable in our handbooks were first stated in this period. Grammarians discussed different rules for the use of certain words, for example, the rules for when to use shall or will. They also started the use of progressive forms. It was one of the most important developments of the English verb in the modern period.
As a result of the grammarians questioning and disputing, the English language now had a set of rules. In fact, they had a lot of rules. Some of the rules have been set aside, however, other rules are still in use today. .
