Understanding Parts of Speech: 8 Types, Definitions, and Examples

In English, each word is classified as a part of speech based on the function it serves within a sentence. The role a word plays determines its specific part of speech. In this article, you’ll learn about the definition of parts of speech, explore the various types, and review examples for better understanding.

What Are Parts of Speech?

Parts of speech form one of the foundational grammar concepts we learn early on, whether in school or while starting to learn English. They represent the various roles words play in a sentence. Interestingly, some parts of speech can also take on the function of others.

Definition of Parts of Speech

The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines parts of speech as “categories into which words are classified based on their grammatical function, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.” Similarly, the Cambridge Dictionary describes them as “the grammatical categories into which words are grouped, like noun, verb, and adjective.”

Understanding Different Parts of Speech with Examples

The primary parts of speech include nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Below is a breakdown of these eight categories with examples.

1. Noun
2. Pronoun
3. Verb
4. Adverb
5. Adjective
6. Preposition
7. Conjunction
8. Interjection

1. Nouns

Nouns represent people, places, animals, ideas, or things. They are generally categorized as common nouns (e.g., car, ball, city) and proper nouns (e.g., New York, The Eiffel Tower).

Examples of nouns in sentences:

• She bought a new phone. (thing)
• Ravi is my brother. (person)
• This is a beautiful garden. (place)

2. Pronouns

Pronouns replace nouns in sentences. Various types of pronouns include reflexive, possessive, relative, and indefinite pronouns (e.g., he, her, they, who, anybody).

Examples of pronouns in sentences:

• I reached home early. (first-person pronoun)
• Who found the lost puppy? (relative pronoun)
• That is her book. (possessive pronoun)

3. Verbs

Verbs express actions performed by the subject in a sentence. They are often referred to as action words (e.g., run, read, sing).

Examples of verbs in sentences:

• They play football every weekend.
• I visited my grandparents last week.

4. Adverbs

Adverbs provide additional details about verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. The main types of adverbs include adverbs of manner, degree, time, frequency, and place.

Examples of adverbs in sentences:

• He completed the task quickly. (adverb of manner)
• I see my cousin every day. (adverb of frequency)

5. Adjectives

Adjectives describe or provide more information about nouns. Common examples include words like good, large, colorful, and interesting.

Examples of adjectives in sentences:

• The blue car parked outside is mine.
• It was a fantastic trip.

6. Prepositions

Prepositions are linking words that show the relationship between two parts of a sentence. They often indicate position or direction (e.g., in, on, beside, under).

Examples of prepositions in sentences:

• The keys are on the table.
• She went to the store near her house.

7. Conjunctions

Conjunctions connect different parts of a sentence, phrases, or clauses. Common conjunctions include and, but, or, because.

Examples of conjunctions in sentences:

• I wanted to go out, but it started raining.
• She is talented and hardworking.

8. Interjections

Interjections express strong emotions or reactions. They are often followed by an exclamation mark (e.g., wow, alas, oh).

Examples of interjections in sentences:

• Wow! That’s an incredible achievement.
• Alas! We missed the bus.

Sample Sentences Illustrating the 8 Parts of Speech

• Noun: The cat is sitting on the couch.
• Pronoun: He found the missing document.
• Verb: We traveled to the mountains.
• Adverb: She spoke softly during the presentation.
• Adjective: The cake was delicious.
• Preposition: The book is under the desk.
• Conjunction: I wanted to stay home, but I had to go to work.
• Interjection: Oh! I forgot my phone.

Exercise: Test Your Understanding of Parts of Speech

Identify the parts of speech for the highlighted words in the following sentences:

1. My brother arrived late.
2. I am a good student.
3. This is the pen I was searching for.
4. Wow! That’s an amazing idea.
5. The weather in London is unpredictable.
6. Can you pick up John and me after school?

Answer Key:

1. My – Pronoun, late – Adverb
2. Good – Adjective
3. This – Pronoun, was searching – Verb
4. Wow – Interjection, amazing – Adjective
5. London – Noun, in – Preposition
6. John – Noun, and – Conjunction

ALSO READ:

OSSSC TGT Syllabus 2024: Download the Complete PDF & Exam Pattern Now!

Musk X Empire: September 16 Daily Combo, Riddle & Rebus Challenge