For
instance, they ask the pupil to "pronounce and write the possessive of
nouns," hardly expecting, we suppose, that the "condition" of a noun will
be sounded or written; and they speak of "a noun in the singular with a
plural application," in which expression _singular_ must be taken to mean
_singular form_ to save it from sheer nonsense.
We know no way to steer clear of Scylla and keep out of Charybdis but to do
what by the common use of the word we are allowed; viz., to take
_Modifications_ with such breadth of signification that it will apply to
meaning and to use, as well as to form. Primarily, of course, it meant
inflections, used to mark changes in the meaning and use of words. But we
shall use _Modifications_ to indicate changes in meaning and use when the
form in the particular instance is wanting, nowhere, however, recognizing
that as a modification which is not somewhere marked by form.]
Modifications of Nouns and Pronouns.
NUMBER.
_The boy shouts_. _The boys shout_. The form of the subject _boy_ is
changed by adding an _s_ to it. The meaning has changed. _Boy_ denotes one
lad; boys, two or more lads. This change in the form and the meaning of
nouns is called +Number+; the word _boy_, denoting one thing, is in the
+Singular Number+; and _boys_, denoting more than one thing, is in the
+Plural Number+.
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