Early Figures:
* Robert Lowth (1710-1787): His "Short Introduction to English Grammar" (1762) was widely influential, establishing many prescriptive rules still debated today.
* Noah Webster (1758-1843): Known for his American Dictionary of the English Language, Webster advocated for simpler grammar and American spellings.
Modern Scholars:
* Otto Jespersen (1860-1943): Danish scholar who contributed significantly to descriptive grammar, emphasizing the evolution of language and usage patterns.
* Henry Sweet (1845-1912): Developed the "phonetic alphabet" and focused on pronunciation and sound changes in English.
* George Curme (1862-1942): Prolific author of several detailed grammar books, known for his meticulous analyses of English syntax.
* Randolph Quirk (1920-2021): Led the development of "A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language" (1985), a monumental work that remains a standard reference.
Contemporary Figures:
* Steven Pinker (born 1954): Renowned linguist who applies cognitive science to understanding grammar, focusing on its biological basis.
* Geoffrey Pullum (born 1947): Known for his work on formal grammar and critiques of prescriptive grammar rules.
Choosing the "greatest" depends on what you value most in a grammarian:
* Prescriptive rules: Lowth and Webster might be considered great.
* Descriptive analysis: Jespersen and Sweet are excellent choices.
* Comprehensive coverage: Quirk's team deserves recognition.
* Theoretical insights: Pinker and Pullum are significant figures.
Ultimately, exploring the works of these and other notable grammarians will provide a richer understanding of the evolution and complexities of English grammar.