Parts of Speech
Parts of Speech
Parts of speech are among the first grammar topics we learn when we are in school or when we
start our English language learning process. Parts of speech can be defined as words that perform
different roles in a sentence. Some parts of speech can perform the functions of other parts of
speech too.
1. Nouns are words that are used to name people, places, animals, ideas and things. Nouns can be
classified into two main categories: Common nounsand Proper nouns. Common nouns are generic
like ball, car, stick, etc., and proper nouns are more specific like Charles, The White House, The
Sun, etc.
2. Pronouns are words that are used to substitute a noun in a sentence. There are different types of
pronouns. Some of them are reflexive pronouns,possessive pronouns, relative pronouns and
indefinite pronouns. I, he, she, it, them, his, yours, anyone, nobody, who, etc., are some of the
pronouns.
3. Verbs are words that denote an action that is being performed by the noun or the subject in a
sentence. They are also called action words. Some examples of verbs are read, sit, run, pick,
garnish, come, pitch, etc.
4. Adverbs are words that are used to provide more information about verbs, adjectives and other
adverbs used in a sentence. There are five main types of adverbs namely, adverbs of manner,
adverbs of degree, adverbs of frequency, adverbs of time and adverbs of place. Some examples of
adverbs are today, quickly, randomly, early, 10 a.m. etc.
5. Adjectives are words that are used to describe or provide more information about the noun or the
subject in a sentence. Some examples of adjectives include good, ugly, quick, beautiful, late, etc.
● The teacher asked the students to draw lines on the paper so that they could
write in straight lines.
● The child hid his birthday presents under his bed.
● Mom asked me to go to the store near my school.
● The thieves jumped over the wall and escaped before we could reach home.
7. Conjunctions are a part of speech that is used to connect two different parts of a sentence,
phrases and clauses. Some examples of conjunctions are and, or, for, yet, although, because, not
only, etc.
8. Interjections are words that are used to convey strong emotions or feelings. Some examples of
interjections are oh, wow, alas, yippee, etc. It is always followed by an exclamation mark.