Society for Pure English

Society for Pure English
The Society for Pure English was a group of British writers and scholars founded in 1913 with the aim of preserving the purity and clarity of the English language. Prominent members included literary figures such as Robert Bridges, Henry Bradley, and H. W. Fowler, who sought to influence English usage through essays and pamphlets. The society published a series of influential "tracts" on language and style, addressing topics like grammar, pronunciation, and the evolution of English. Their work, including writings like "A Dictionary of Modern English Usage" by H. W. Fowler, had a lasting impact on English language education and usage debates.

Author's Books:


SOCIETY for PURE ENGLISH (S.P.E.) The Society was founded in 1913, and was preparing to enter on its activities, when the declaration of war in Aug. 1914 determined the Committee to suspend proceedings until the national distraction should have abated. They met again after the Armistice in 1918 and agreed to announce their first issues for October 1919. Although present conditions are not as favourable... more...

I The English language is an Inn of Strange Meetings where all sorts and conditions of words are assembled. Some are of the bluest blood and of authentic royal descent; and some are children of the gutter not wise enough to know their own fathers. Some are natives whose ancestors were rooted in the soil since a day whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary; and some are strangers of... more...

I. NOTES ON THE FUNCTION OF METAPHOR The business of the writer is to arouse in the mind of his reader the fullest possible consciousness of the ideas or emotion that he is expressing. To this end he suggests a comparison between it and something else which is similar to it in respect of those qualities to which he desires to draw attention. The reader's mind at once gets to work unconsciously on... more...