Download Parts of Speech - Dayton Independent Schools

Parts of Speech
Noun
A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. A noun can be abstract or concrete. A
concrete noun is anything that can be identified by the five senses. For example, a
cookie can be seen, felt, heard (if broken), and tasted. On the other hand, an abstract
noun cannot be determined by the five senses. This means they cannot be felt, seen,
heard, tasted, or touched. This would included such words as loyalty or curiosity.
Pronoun
A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun, and it serves as the same function of a
noun in a sentence. Pronouns include words such as I, me, you, it, he, she, they, their,
them, and we.
Verb
Adverb
Adjective
A verb shows action. The action can be mental or physical. In addition to showing
action, the verb can show state of being. Action verbs include words such as satisfied,
write, or exhibit. The state of being verbs are words such as am, is, are, was, were,
being, and been.
Adverbs are used to describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They answer the
questions: when, where, why, how, and to what extent or degree. Some examples of
adverbs are absolutely, briefly, elsewhere, and fast.
An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun. An adjective answers such questions such
as which, what kind of, and how many. Adjectives include words such as artistic,
excellent, grumpy, lame, and necessary. While technically an adjective, the words a, an,
and the are considered articles and are considered noun markers.
Preposition
A Preposition shows relationship of a noun or a pronoun to some other word in a
sentence. The preposition comes before a noun such as over the house. Prepositions
include such words as above, behind, down, of, towards, upon, and with.
Conjunction
A conjunction joins words, phrases, or clauses. Conjunctions come in two types:
coordinating and subordinating. The coordinating conjunction links two words,
phrases, or sentences that are grammatically equal. Some common ones are for, and,
nor, but, or, yet, and so. A subordinating conjunction links a dependent clause with an
independent clause. Here are some common words used as subordinating
conjunctions: because, since, whenever, though, as long as, so that, and even if.
Please note: some phrases work as a subordinating conjunction.
Interjection
Interjections are words or phrases used to call out or protest a command. They often
stand alone, but they can be contained within the sentence. They can be used in
sentences to show surprise, emotion, or enthusiasm. The interjection stands alone and
is not related to any other part of the sentence. Interjections include such words as wow,
cheers, yes, hey, indeed, bless you, or yikes.
Knowing the parts of
speech serves to
discuss how words
function in a
sentence.