Parts of speech overview

In grammar, words are divided into separate classes known as parts of speech. In English, there are 8 parts of speech. They are: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections.

Nouns

A noun is a naming word. It can be the name of a person, place, thing, quality, group, material etc. Examples are: John, Paris, Niles, evening, clarity, iron etc.

Pronouns

A pronoun is a word used instead of a noun. Examples are: he, she, they, it, them, me, us etc.

Verbs

A verb is an action word. It shows what the subject does. It may also show what the subject is or has. Examples are: is, am, have, work, sing, dance and break.

Adjectives

An adjective is a word that tells us something more about a noun. Examples are: happy, strong, beautiful etc.

Adverbs

An adverb is a word that tells us something more about a verb. Examples are: lavishly, carefully, softly etc.

Preposition

A preposition is a word used before a noun or a pronoun. It shows ideas such as time, place, position etc. Examples are: in, on, at, under, below, with, by and from.

Conjunctions

A conjunction is a word used to join to words, phrases or clauses. Examples are: and, but, though, because, when and if.

Interjections

An interjection is a word used to express a sudden emotion or feeling. Examples are: Ah!, Hurrah!, Alas! etc.