Also in the sentence, “None remained but he,” grammatical rules would require him instead of he after the preposition; yet the expression is sustained by good authority.

[Sidenote:  Some rules not rigid.]

392.  In some cases, authorities—­that is, standard writers—­differ as to which of two constructions should be used, or the same writer will use both indifferently.  Instances will be found in treating of the pronoun or noun with a gerund, pronoun and antecedent, sometimes verb and subject, etc.

When usage varies as to a given construction, both forms will be given in the following pages.

[Sidenote:  The basis of syntax.]

393.  Our treatment of syntax will be an endeavor to record the best usage of the present time on important points; and nothing but important points will be considered, for it is easy to confuse a student with too many obtrusive don’ts.

The constructions presented as general will be justified by quotations from modern writers of English who are regarded as “standard;” that is, writers whose style is generally acknowledged as superior, and whose judgment, therefore, will be accepted by those in quest of authoritative opinion.

Reference will also be made to spoken English when its constructions differ from those of the literary language, and to vulgar English when it preserves forms which were once, but are not now, good English.

It may be suggested to the student that the only way to acquire correctness is to watch good usage everywhere, and imitate it.

NOUNS.

394.  Nouns have no distinct forms for the nominative and objective cases:  hence no mistake can be made in using them.  But some remarks are required concerning the use of the possessive case.

[Sidenote:  Use of the possessive.  Joint possession.]

395.  When two or more possessives modify the same noun, or indicate joint ownership or possession, the possessive sign is added to the last noun only; for example,—­

     Live your king and country’s best support.—­ROWE.

     Woman, sense and nature’s easy fool.—­BYRON.

     Oliver and Boyd’s printing office.—­MCCULLOCH.

     Adam and Eve’s morning hymn.—­MILTON.

     In Beaumont and Fletcher’s “Sea Voyage,” Juletta tells,
     etc.—­EMERSON.

[Sidenote:  Separate possession.]

396.  When two or more possessives stand before the same noun, but imply separate possession or ownership, the possessive sign is used with each noun; as,—­

     He lands us on a grassy stage, Safe from the storm’s and
     prelate’s rage.—­MARVELL

     Where were the sons of Peers and Members of Parliament in
     Anne’s and George’s time?—­THACKERAY.