Parts of Speech Guide

PARTS OF SPEECHPARTS OF SPEECH
 By Maher NazBy Maher Naz

Parts of SpeechParts of Speech
Classifications of words according to their relationsClassifications of words according to their relations
to each other and to the things they represent.to each other and to the things they represent.
Different parts of speech name actions, name theDifferent parts of speech name actions, name the
performers of actions, describe the performers orperformers of actions, describe the performers or
actions, and so on.actions, and so on.
The Greek grammarian Thrax, who invented theThe Greek grammarian Thrax, who invented the
whole idea of thewhole idea of the parts of speech.parts of speech.

The common parts of speech areThe common parts of speech are
 NounsNouns
 PronounsPronouns
 VerbsVerbs
 AdjectivesAdjectives
 AdverbsAdverbs
 PrepositionsPrepositions
 ConjunctionsConjunctions
 InterjectionsInterjections

NounNoun
AA nounnoun is a word that names a person, a place or ais a word that names a person, a place or a
thing.thing.
Examples:Examples:
Sarah, lady, cat, New York, Canada, room, school,Sarah, lady, cat, New York, Canada, room, school,
football, reading.football, reading.
Example sentences:Example sentences:
PeoplePeople like to go to thelike to go to the beachbeach..
EmmaEmma passed thepassed the testtest..
MyMy parentsparents are traveling toare traveling to JapanJapan nextnext monthmonth..
The word "noun" comes from the Latin wordThe word "noun" comes from the Latin word nomen,nomen,
which means "name," and nouns are indeed how wewhich means "name," and nouns are indeed how we
name people, places and things.name people, places and things.

Abstract NounsAbstract Nouns
An abstract noun is a noun that names an idea, not a physical thing.An abstract noun is a noun that names an idea, not a physical thing.
Examples:Examples:
Hope, interest, love, peace, ability, success, knowledge, trouble.Hope, interest, love, peace, ability, success, knowledge, trouble.
Concrete NounsConcrete Nouns
A concrete noun is a noun that names a physical thing.A concrete noun is a noun that names a physical thing.
Examples:Examples:
Boy, table, floor, coffee, beach, king, rain, children, professor.Boy, table, floor, coffee, beach, king, rain, children, professor.
Common NounsCommon Nouns
A common noun is a noun that names a general thing, not a specificA common noun is a noun that names a general thing, not a specific
thing.thing.
Examples:Examples:
Boy, girl, city, country, company, planet, location, war.Boy, girl, city, country, company, planet, location, war.
Abstract NounsAbstract Nouns

Proper NounsProper Nouns
A proper noun is a noun that indicatesA proper noun is a noun that indicates
the specific name of a thing. It begins with a capital letter.the specific name of a thing. It begins with a capital letter.
Examples:Examples:
Robin, Alice, London, Sweden, Google, Earth, Eiffel Tower, Civil War.Robin, Alice, London, Sweden, Google, Earth, Eiffel Tower, Civil War.
Countable NounsCountable Nouns
A countable noun is a noun that indicates something you couldA countable noun is a noun that indicates something you could
actually count.actually count.
For example, you could countFor example, you could count pigspigs: one pig, two pigs, three pigs...: one pig, two pigs, three pigs...
A countable noun has both a singular and a plural form, and it can beA countable noun has both a singular and a plural form, and it can be
used withused with the indefinite articles (a/an)the indefinite articles (a/an)..
Examples:Examples:
Window, teacher, tree, lion, eye, cloud, pencil, heart, movie.Window, teacher, tree, lion, eye, cloud, pencil, heart, movie.

Uncountable NounsUncountable Nouns
An uncountable noun is a noun that indicates something you cannotAn uncountable noun is a noun that indicates something you cannot
count.count.
For example you couldn't count For example you couldn't count waterwater: one water, two water – no, it: one water, two water – no, it
doesn't work...doesn't work...
An uncountable noun has only one form (no plural), and it cannot beAn uncountable noun has only one form (no plural), and it cannot be
used withused with the indefinite articles (a/an)the indefinite articles (a/an)..
Examples:Examples:
Furniture, advice, mail, news, equipment, luggage, work, coffee,Furniture, advice, mail, news, equipment, luggage, work, coffee,
information.information.

PronounPronoun
AA pronounpronoun is a word that is used instead of ais a word that is used instead of a nounnoun. For example,. For example,
you could say, "Lisa is a nice girl."you could say, "Lisa is a nice girl."
Then you could replace the noun "Lisa" with the word "She" and getThen you could replace the noun "Lisa" with the word "She" and get
the following sentence: "She is a nice girl."the following sentence: "She is a nice girl."
"She" is a"She" is a pronounpronoun..
Examples:Examples:
I, he, it, we, them, us, mine, itself.I, he, it, we, them, us, mine, itself.
HeHe doesn't want go withdoesn't want go with themthem..
WouldWould theythey helphelp usus??
HisHis house is bigger thanhouse is bigger than oursours..
WhoWho isis sheshe??
The word "pronoun" comes from "pro" (in the meaning ofThe word "pronoun" comes from "pro" (in the meaning of
"substitute") + "noun.""substitute") + "noun."

Personal PronounsPersonal Pronouns
Personal pronouns represent people or things.Personal pronouns represent people or things.
The personal pronouns are:The personal pronouns are:
I, you, he, she, it, we, they, me, him, her, us, them.I, you, he, she, it, we, they, me, him, her, us, them.
Demonstrative PronounsDemonstrative Pronouns
"Demonstrative" means "showing, making something clear.""Demonstrative" means "showing, making something clear."
Demonstrative pronouns point to things. The demonstrative pronouns are: this, that,Demonstrative pronouns point to things. The demonstrative pronouns are: this, that,
these, those.these, those.
Use "this" and "these" to talk about things that are near in space or in time.Use "this" and "these" to talk about things that are near in space or in time.
Use "that" and "those" to talk about things that are farther away in space or time.Use "that" and "those" to talk about things that are farther away in space or time.
ThisThis cannot go on.cannot go on.
ThatThat was beautiful!was beautiful!
He wantedHe wanted thosethose, but decided to compromise on, but decided to compromise on thesethese..

Interrogative PronounsInterrogative Pronouns
"Interrogative" means "used in questions.""Interrogative" means "used in questions."
Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions. TheInterrogative pronouns are used to ask questions. The
interrogative pronouns are: who, whom, which, what, whoever,interrogative pronouns are: who, whom, which, what, whoever,
whatever, etc.whatever, etc.
Use "who" and "whom" to talk about people.Use "who" and "whom" to talk about people.
Use "which" and "what" to talk about animals and things.Use "which" and "what" to talk about animals and things.
WhoWho is your father?is your father?
WhomWhom did you speak to?did you speak to?
WhichWhich bag did you buy?bag did you buy?
WhatWhat are my choices?are my choices?

Possessive PronounsPossessive Pronouns
"Possessive" means "showing ownership.""Possessive" means "showing ownership."
Possessive pronouns indicate that something belongs toPossessive pronouns indicate that something belongs to
somebody/something. The possessive pronouns are: my, your,somebody/something. The possessive pronouns are: my, your,
his, her, its, our, their, mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs.his, her, its, our, their, mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs.
I've lostI've lost mymy wallet.wallet.
He marriedHe married hishis girlfriend.girlfriend.
This place isThis place is theirstheirs..
Is that catIs that cat yoursyours??
My car is slow.My car is slow. HersHers is much faster.is much faster.

Relative PronounsRelative Pronouns
"Relative" means "connected with something.""Relative" means "connected with something."
Relative pronouns are pronouns that link different parts of aRelative pronouns are pronouns that link different parts of a
sentence.sentence.
The relative pronouns are: who, whom, which, that, whoever,The relative pronouns are: who, whom, which, that, whoever,
etc.etc.
Examples sentences:Examples sentences:
The girlThe girl whowho called yesterday came to see you.called yesterday came to see you.
The teacherThe teacher whomwhom you wrote has answered your questions.you wrote has answered your questions.
She lives in Kiev,She lives in Kiev, whichwhich is the capital city of Ukraine.is the capital city of Ukraine.
I really liked the bookI really liked the book thatthat you gave me.you gave me.

Reflexive PronounsReflexive Pronouns
"Reflexive" means "going back to itself.""Reflexive" means "going back to itself."
Reflexive pronouns show that the action affects theReflexive pronouns show that the action affects the
person who performs the action. Reflexive pronouns endperson who performs the action. Reflexive pronouns end
in "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural). The reflexivein "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural). The reflexive
pronouns are: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself,pronouns are: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself,
ourselves, themselves.ourselves, themselves.

He cutHe cut himselfhimself while shaving.while shaving.
I sentI sent myselfmyself to bed.to bed.
He could hurtHe could hurt himselfhimself!!
We must helpWe must help ourselvesourselves..
She trustsShe trusts herselfherself..

Intensive PronounsIntensive Pronouns
"Intensive" means "giving force or emphasis.""Intensive" means "giving force or emphasis."
An intensive pronoun is a pronoun used for emphasis. InAn intensive pronoun is a pronoun used for emphasis. In
other words, intensive pronouns emphasize the subject ofother words, intensive pronouns emphasize the subject of
the sentence. They are written exactly the same way as thethe sentence. They are written exactly the same way as the
reflexive pronouns, but their function is different.reflexive pronouns, but their function is different.
II myselfmyself baked the cake.baked the cake.
The queenThe queen herselfherself recommended this restaurant.recommended this restaurant.
Have youHave you yourselfyourself been there?been there?
The projectThe project itselfitself wasn't difficult.wasn't difficult.
We will do itWe will do it ourselvesourselves..

Reciprocal PronounsReciprocal Pronouns
ReciprocalReciprocal means that two people or groups do the same thing tomeans that two people or groups do the same thing to
each other. They treat each other in the same way.each other. They treat each other in the same way.
For example, Joe teaches Kate, and Kate teaches Joe. So we canFor example, Joe teaches Kate, and Kate teaches Joe. So we can
say, "Kate and Joe teach each other."say, "Kate and Joe teach each other."
Another example: Mike helps Lucy, and Lucy helps Mike. So we canAnother example: Mike helps Lucy, and Lucy helps Mike. So we can
say, "Mike and Lucy help each other."say, "Mike and Lucy help each other."
There are two reciprocal pronouns in English:There are two reciprocal pronouns in English:
Each otherEach other andand one anotherone another ..
The cat and the dog likeThe cat and the dog like each othereach other..
The two politicians hateThe two politicians hate each othereach other ..
We must stop fightingWe must stop fighting one anotherone another ..
They gaveThey gave each othereach other Christmas presents.Christmas presents.
They can't hearThey can't hear one anotherone another ..

Indefinite Pronouns Indefinite Pronouns
"Indefinite" means "not exact, not limited.""Indefinite" means "not exact, not limited."
Indefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to any specificIndefinite pronouns are pronouns that do not refer to any specific
person or thing.person or thing.
Examples:Examples:
Anything, everybody, another, each, few, many, none, some.Anything, everybody, another, each, few, many, none, some.
ManyMany have died during the war.have died during the war.
CanCan anyoneanyone call her?call her?
EverybodyEverybody wants to see you.wants to see you.
SomethingSomething can be done to help.can be done to help.

verbverb
AA verbverb is a word or group of words that express anis a word or group of words that express an
action or a state.action or a state.
Examples:Examples:
Go, jump, sleep, eat, think, be,Go, jump, sleep, eat, think, be,
change, become, drive, complete.change, become, drive, complete.
WeWe hadhad a nice lunch.a nice lunch.
II thinkthink that he is right.that he is right.
HeHe drovedrove for hours.for hours.
The word "verb" comes for the Latin wordThe word "verb" comes for the Latin word verbumverbum, which, which
means "word."means "word."

Auxiliary VerbsAuxiliary Verbs
(also called "helping verbs")(also called "helping verbs")
Auxiliary verbs are verbs that are used together with the main verbAuxiliary verbs are verbs that are used together with the main verb
of the sentence to express the action or state.of the sentence to express the action or state.
Main verb + auxiliary verb = complete ideaMain verb + auxiliary verb = complete idea
The main auxiliary verbs are:The main auxiliary verbs are:
be, am, is, are, was, were, do, did, have, has, had.be, am, is, are, was, were, do, did, have, has, had.
Example sentences (the auxiliary verb is in bold, and theExample sentences (the auxiliary verb is in bold, and the
main verb is underlined):main verb is underlined):
TheyThey areare joggingjogging..
SheShe waswas sittingsitting..
WeWe werewere waitingwaiting for hours.for hours.
IsIs sheshe sleepingsleeping??
HeHe didn'tdidn't knowknow the answer.the answer.
WeWe havehave gonegone a long way.a long way.
HasHas sheshe receivedreceived any of my letters?any of my letters?
DoDo youyou smokesmoke??
WillWill sheshe helphelp??

Compound VerbsCompound Verbs
A compound verbA compound verb = auxiliary verb + main verb.= auxiliary verb + main verb.
Examples:Examples:
was playing, has eaten, doesn't want.was playing, has eaten, doesn't want.
TheyThey were discussingwere discussing their future.their future.
HeHe didn't telldidn't tell us the truth.us the truth.
II have finishedhave finished my homework.my homework.
SheShe will meetwill meet us there.us there.

Stative VerbsStative Verbs
Stative verbs are verbs that express a state rather thanStative verbs are verbs that express a state rather than
an action.an action.
Examples:Examples:
be, seem, love, own, want, sound, have, know,be, seem, love, own, want, sound, have, know,
understand.understand.
Examples sentences:Examples sentences:
SheShe isis a great wife.a great wife.
HeHe seemsseems rather strange.rather strange.
HeHe wantedwanted to see you.to see you.
HeHe wantswants to see you.to see you.
II havehave a laptop.a laptop.
I I am havingam having lunch with Kate.lunch with Kate.
II havehave lunch with Kate.lunch with Kate.

Dynamic VerbsDynamic Verbs
Dynamic verbs are the opposite of stative verbs. TheyDynamic verbs are the opposite of stative verbs. They
express a real action.express a real action.
Examples:Examples:
Jump, swim, catch, write, call, sleep, hit, open, speak.Jump, swim, catch, write, call, sleep, hit, open, speak.
TheyThey swamswam to the other side.to the other side.
SheShe hithit me on the head!me on the head!
OpenOpen the window, please.the window, please.
Correct:Correct: HeHe is drinkingis drinking water.water.
Correct:Correct: HeHe drinksdrinks water.water.

Regular verbs are verbs that follow this rule:Regular verbs are verbs that follow this rule:
Past form of the verb = present form of the verbPast form of the verb = present form of the verb
+ ed / d.+ ed / d.
Examples:Examples:
Past form of "check" = check + ed = checked.Past form of "check" = check + ed = checked.
Past form of "open" = open + ed = opened.Past form of "open" = open + ed = opened.
Past form of "bake" = bake + d = baked.Past form of "bake" = bake + d = baked.
Regular VerbsRegular Verbs

Irregular VerbsIrregular Verbs
Irregular verbs are verbs that do not follow theIrregular verbs are verbs that do not follow the
above rule, and there are quite a lot of them!above rule, and there are quite a lot of them!
Examples:Examples:
Past form of "drink" = drank.Past form of "drink" = drank.
Past form of "sleep" = slept.Past form of "sleep" = slept.
Past form of "bring" = brought.Past form of "bring" = brought.

Phrasal VerbsPhrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb is a verb that is combined with an adverb or aA phrasal verb is a verb that is combined with an adverb or a
preposition. The combination creates a new meaning.preposition. The combination creates a new meaning.
Examples:Examples:
Run = to move very quickly with your legs. ("She canRun = to move very quickly with your legs. ("She can runrun fast!")fast!")
Into = in the direction of something. ("He lookedInto = in the direction of something. ("He looked intointo my eyes.")my eyes.")
Run into = to meet someone by accident. ("IRun into = to meet someone by accident. ("I ran intoran into JoeJoe
yesterday.")yesterday.")
Make = to create or do something. ("HeMake = to create or do something. ("He mademade a lot of noise.")a lot of noise.")
Up = to a higher point. ("LookUp = to a higher point. ("Look upup!")!")
Make up = invent (a story, an excuse). ("It never happened. HeMake up = invent (a story, an excuse). ("It never happened. He
mademade the whole thingthe whole thing upup!")!")
Put = to place something somewhere. ("Could youPut = to place something somewhere. ("Could you putput thisthis
upstairs?")upstairs?")
Up = to a higher point. ("LookUp = to a higher point. ("Look upup!")!")
With = concerning ("She is happyWith = concerning ("She is happy withwith her workplace.")her workplace.")
Put up with = to tolerate. ("I cannotPut up with = to tolerate. ("I cannot put up withput up with his behavior anyhis behavior any
more!")more!")

AdverbAdverb
An adverb is a word that describes orAn adverb is a word that describes or
gives more information about agives more information about a verbverb, an, an
adjectiveadjective, another adverb, or even the, another adverb, or even the
entire sentence.entire sentence.

Adverbs usually answer the following questions:Adverbs usually answer the following questions:
Where?Where? HomeHome. ("I went. ("I went homehome.").")
When?When? YesterdayYesterday. ("We met. ("We met yesterdayyesterday.").")
How?How? SlowlySlowly . ("The turtle moves. ("The turtle moves slowlyslowly.").")
How often?How often? SometimesSometimes . (". ("SometimesSometimes it stops responding.")it stops responding.")
How long?How long? TemporarilyTemporarily. ("She is staying with us temporarily."). ("She is staying with us temporarily.")
How likely?How likely? SurelySurely . ("Our team will. ("Our team will surelysurely win!")win!")
To what degree?To what degree? VeryVery. ("She was. ("She was veryvery pleased.")pleased.")
An adverb can describe a verb:An adverb can describe a verb:
SheShe runsruns quicklyquickly ..
An adverb can describe an adjective:An adverb can describe an adjective:
She isShe is soso beautifulbeautiful..
An adverb can describe another adverb:An adverb can describe another adverb:
She smokesShe smokes veryvery rarelyrarely..
An adverb can describe an entire sentence:An adverb can describe an entire sentence:
NaturallyNaturally , you don't have to come., you don't have to come.
The word "adverb" comes for the LatinThe word "adverb" comes for the Latin ad-ad- (in addition) and(in addition) and verbumverbum
(word).(word).

In many cases (but not always!) adverbs have theIn many cases (but not always!) adverbs have the
following form:following form:
Adjective + "-ly"Adjective + "-ly"
Examples:Examples:
Quick + ly =Quick + ly = quicklyquickly
Strange + ly =Strange + ly = strangelystrangely
Dead + ly =Dead + ly = deadlydeadly
Sudden + ly =Sudden + ly = suddenlysuddenly
Clever + ly =Clever + ly = cleverlycleverly
Brave + ly =Brave + ly = bravelybravely
Real + ly =Real + ly = reallyreally
When an adjective ends with "y" replace the "y" with anWhen an adjective ends with "y" replace the "y" with an
"i":"i":
Heavy + ly = heavi + ly = heavilyHeavy + ly = heavi + ly = heavily
Happy + ly = happi + ly = happilyHappy + ly = happi + ly = happily
When the adjective ends with an "e" drop the "e":When the adjective ends with an "e" drop the "e":
True + ly = tru + ly = trulyTrue + ly = tru + ly = truly

However, there are many adverbs that do not end in "-ly":However, there are many adverbs that do not end in "-ly":
Fast, very, hard, home, just, too, well, never, sometimes, and soFast, very, hard, home, just, too, well, never, sometimes, and so
forth.forth.

We can divide English adverbs intoWe can divide English adverbs into
several categories:several categories:
Adverbs of degreeAdverbs of degree,, adverbs of manneradverbs of manner,,
adverbs of placeadverbs of place,, adverbs of timeadverbs of time, ,
adverbs of frequencyadverbs of frequency,, adverbs of durationadverbs of duration,,
adverbs of probabilityadverbs of probability,, comparative adverbscomparative adverbs
andand superlative adverbssuperlative adverbs..

Adverbs of degreeAdverbs of degree
Adverbs of degree show us the strength or degree of theAdverbs of degree show us the strength or degree of the
action or state. They answer the following questions:action or state. They answer the following questions:
How much? To what degree?How much? To what degree?
Examples:Examples:
Very, highly, totally, perfectly, partially, almost.Very, highly, totally, perfectly, partially, almost.
He isHe is veryvery concerned with you.concerned with you.
You areYou are totallytotally right.right.
WeWe almostalmost made it to the train.made it to the train.

Adverbs of mannerAdverbs of manner
Adverbs of manner show us the way the action is done.Adverbs of manner show us the way the action is done.
They answer the following question:They answer the following question:
How?How?
Examples:Examples:
Well, badly, nicely, slowly, loudly, quietly, happily, sadly,Well, badly, nicely, slowly, loudly, quietly, happily, sadly,
secretly, weakly.secretly, weakly.
He handled the situationHe handled the situation wellwell..
She listenedShe listened secretlysecretly to their conversation.to their conversation.
The children ranThe children ran happilyhappily to their father.to their father.

Adverbs of placeAdverbs of place
Adverbs of place show us the location of the action orAdverbs of place show us the location of the action or
state. They answer the following question:state. They answer the following question:
Where?Where?
Examples:Examples:
Home, here, there, outside, inside, away, around,Home, here, there, outside, inside, away, around,
anywhere, abroad, up, down, out.anywhere, abroad, up, down, out.
We are We are herehere..
He wentHe went homehome..
We found himWe found him outsideoutside..
She lookedShe looked upup..

Adverbs of timeAdverbs of time
Adverbs of time show us the time of the action or state.Adverbs of time show us the time of the action or state.
When?When?
Examples:Examples:
Now, soon, later, yesterday, tomorrow, early, before,Now, soon, later, yesterday, tomorrow, early, before,
lately, recently.lately, recently.
Let's talkLet's talk nownow..
I will do itI will do it laterlater..
He promised to write backHe promised to write back soonsoon..
What are you doingWhat are you doing tomorrowtomorrow??
We haven't metWe haven't met beforebefore..

Adverbs of frequencyAdverbs of frequency
Adverbs of frequency show us the frequency of theAdverbs of frequency show us the frequency of the
action or state. They answer the following question:action or state. They answer the following question:
How often?How often?
Examples:Examples:
Always, never, sometimes, often, rarely, usually,Always, never, sometimes, often, rarely, usually,
occasionally.occasionally.
II alwaysalways brush my teeth after a meal.brush my teeth after a meal.
WeWe oftenoften meet and chat.meet and chat.
He isHe is usuallyusually here on time.here on time.

Adverbs of durationAdverbs of duration
Adverbs of duration show us the length of the action orAdverbs of duration show us the length of the action or
state.state.
For how long?For how long?
Examples:Examples:
Forever, constantly, temporarily, briefly.Forever, constantly, temporarily, briefly.
He is working thereHe is working there temporarilytemporarily..
We spokeWe spoke brieflybriefly..
I will beI will be foreverforever grateful.grateful.

Adverbs of probabilityAdverbs of probability
Adverbs of probability show us the chances for theAdverbs of probability show us the chances for the
action or state to happen. They answer the followingaction or state to happen. They answer the following
question:question:
How likely?How likely?
Examples:Examples:
Certainly, maybe, probably, possibly, surely.Certainly, maybe, probably, possibly, surely.
She willShe will certainlycertainly forget about it.forget about it.
MaybeMaybe we'll come after all.we'll come after all.
It willIt will probablyprobably not work.not work.
SurelySurely you are not serious!you are not serious!

Comparative adverbsComparative adverbs
"Comparative" means "comparing something to"Comparative" means "comparing something to
something else."something else."
Comparative adverbs show us which action or state isComparative adverbs show us which action or state is
better, worse, stronger, weaker, and so forth.better, worse, stronger, weaker, and so forth.
Examples:Examples:
more, less, better, worse, faster, slower, farther, closer.more, less, better, worse, faster, slower, farther, closer.
Maggie works outMaggie works out moremore seriously than Donna.seriously than Donna.
She eatsShe eats lessless than her friends.than her friends.
You areYou are betterbetter than this.than this.
We couldn't goWe couldn't go slowerslower even if we wanted to.even if we wanted to.
Let's getLet's get closercloser..

Superlative adverbsSuperlative adverbs
"Superlative" means "of the highest degree.""Superlative" means "of the highest degree."
Superlative adverbs show us which action or state is theSuperlative adverbs show us which action or state is the
best, the strongest, and so forth.best, the strongest, and so forth.
Examples:Examples:
Best, most, least, worst, strongest, fastest, slowest.Best, most, least, worst, strongest, fastest, slowest.
He knowsHe knows bestbest..
It was theIt was the mostmost boring experience.boring experience.
He shouted theHe shouted the loudestloudest so he won.so he won.
He ran theHe ran the slowestslowest so he lost.so he lost.

AdjectiveAdjective
An adjective is a word that describes a person or thing.An adjective is a word that describes a person or thing.
Examples:Examples:
Big, pretty, expensive, green, round, French, loud, quick,Big, pretty, expensive, green, round, French, loud, quick,
fat.fat.
He hasHe has bigbig blueblue eyes.eyes.
TheThe newnew car broke down.car broke down.
TheThe oldold lady was talking in alady was talking in a quietquiet voice.voice.
The word "adjective" comes from the Latin wordThe word "adjective" comes from the Latin word jacerejacere,,
which means "to throw."which means "to throw."

Different Types of adjectivesDifferent Types of adjectives
Adjectives can be divided into several types:Adjectives can be divided into several types:
OpinionOpinion
Nice, pretty, stupid, original, expensive, etc.Nice, pretty, stupid, original, expensive, etc.
SizeSize
Big, small, large, tiny, enormous, little, etc.Big, small, large, tiny, enormous, little, etc.
AgeAge
Young, old, new, ancient, antique, etc.Young, old, new, ancient, antique, etc.
ShapeShape
Round, square, flat, straight, etc.Round, square, flat, straight, etc.
ColorColor
Blue, red, white, black, dark, bright, yellowish, etc.Blue, red, white, black, dark, bright, yellowish, etc.
OriginOrigin
Italian, British, Mexican, western, southern, etc.Italian, British, Mexican, western, southern, etc.
MaterialMaterial
Metal, wooden, plastic, golden, etc.Metal, wooden, plastic, golden, etc.

A determiner is a word that comes before a noun to showA determiner is a word that comes before a noun to show
which person or thing you are talking about. which person or thing you are talking about.
Examples:Examples:
AA, an, the, my, your, some, any, several, enough, any., an, the, my, your, some, any, several, enough, any.
I haveI have aa red hat.red hat.
Please give mePlease give me mymy bag.bag.
SomeSome people decided to leave.people decided to leave.
She doesn't wantShe doesn't want anyany money.money.
They watchedThey watched severalseveral movies.movies.
Some people considerSome people consider determinersdeterminers to be a type ofto be a type of adjectiveadjective ..
What's special about determiners is that you usually can use onlyWhat's special about determiners is that you usually can use only
one determiner at a time.one determiner at a time.
Incorrect:Incorrect: He has the my ticket.He has the my ticket.
Correct:Correct: He hasHe has mymy ticket / He hasticket / He has thethe ticket.ticket.
DeterminersDeterminers

Nouns that act like adjectivesNouns that act like adjectives
Sometimes nouns function as adjectives. In other words,Sometimes nouns function as adjectives. In other words,
they come before another noun and describe it.they come before another noun and describe it.
Examples:Examples:
SportsSports carcar
OrangeOrange juicejuice
TelevisionTelevision stationstation
CoffeeCoffee shopshop
BookBook covercover

Adjectives of the same type:Adjectives of the same type:
When you have several adjectives of the same type, youWhen you have several adjectives of the same type, you
should separate them with commas or a conjunctionshould separate them with commas or a conjunction
(and, but).(and, but).
Examples:Examples:
AA cheapcheap,, goodgood mealmeal
AA happyhappy,, smartsmart manman
TheThe beautifulbeautiful,, originaloriginal paintingpainting
MyMy nicenice andand sweetsweet catcat
AnAn expensiveexpensive butbut importantimportant triptrip

Comparative adjectivesComparative adjectives
"Comparative" means "comparing something to something else.""Comparative" means "comparing something to something else."
Comparative adjective show us which thing is better, worse,Comparative adjective show us which thing is better, worse,
stronger, weaker, and so forth.stronger, weaker, and so forth.
Examples:Examples:
Better, worse, bigger, smaller, nicer, fatter, thinner, moreBetter, worse, bigger, smaller, nicer, fatter, thinner, more
dangerous.dangerous.
She is aShe is a betterbetter student than her brothers.student than her brothers.
The test wasThe test was worseworse than I'd expected.than I'd expected.
You areYou are strongerstronger than me.than me.
He seemsHe seems healthierhealthier ..
You areYou are more beautifulmore beautiful than her.than her.

Superlative adjectivesSuperlative adjectives
"Superlative" means "of the highest degree.""Superlative" means "of the highest degree."
Superlative adjectives show us which thing is the best, theSuperlative adjectives show us which thing is the best, the
strongest, and so forth.strongest, and so forth.
Examples:Examples:
Best, worst, strongest, smallest, cheapest, most expensive.Best, worst, strongest, smallest, cheapest, most expensive.
You are myYou are my bestbest friend.friend.
This is theThis is the worstworst day of my life.day of my life.
Even theEven the smallestsmallest donation helps.donation helps.
This is theThis is the most expensivemost expensive restaurant I've ever heard of.restaurant I've ever heard of.

PrepositionPreposition
A preposition is a word that is used before a noun or aA preposition is a word that is used before a noun or a
pronoun to connect it to another word in the sentence. Itpronoun to connect it to another word in the sentence. It
is usually used to show location, direction, time, and sois usually used to show location, direction, time, and so
forth.forth.
Examples:Examples:
On, in, at, by, under, above, beside, to, out, from, for.On, in, at, by, under, above, beside, to, out, from, for.
I satI sat onon the floor.the floor.
Let's goLet's go intointo the house.the house.
We will meetWe will meet atat four o'clock.four o'clock.
Have a lookHave a look underunder the couch.the couch.
He wentHe went toto school.school.
This letter isThis letter is forfor you.you.
The word "preposition" comes from the Latin wordThe word "preposition" comes from the Latin word
praeponerepraeponere (put before). So prepositions usually(put before). So prepositions usually
come come beforebefore the noun/pronoun.the noun/pronoun.

For example:For example:
The dog restsThe dog rests onon the armchair.the armchair.
(The word "on" is used before "the armchair". We(The word "on" is used before "the armchair". We
understand that the dog isunderstand that the dog is onon the armchair. He is notthe armchair. He is not
underunder it,it, aboveabove it orit or besidebeside it, for example.)it, for example.)
The name "preposition" (pre + position) means "putThe name "preposition" (pre + position) means "put
before".before".
So prepositions usually come So prepositions usually come beforebefore the noun.the noun.

Here are some more examples:Here are some more examples:
She standsShe stands byby the tree.the tree.
The cat leans against the garbage can.

The sign isThe sign is underunder the car.the car.
The rocket went through the heart.

They flewThey flew intointo the snow.the snow.
He is climbing up that mountain.

A preposition can come before a pronoun asA preposition can come before a pronoun as
well.well.
For example:For example:
This isThis is forfor you!you!
She is standingShe is standing besidebeside him.him.

ConjunctionConjunction
A conjunction is a word thatA conjunction is a word that
joins parts of a sentence together.joins parts of a sentence together.
Examples:Examples:
And, but, or, because, so.And, but, or, because, so.
I want to come,I want to come, butbut I can't.I can't.
She is smartShe is smart andand beautiful.beautiful.
Would you like a catWould you like a cat oror a dog?a dog?
He didn't pass the testHe didn't pass the test becausebecause he didn't understandhe didn't understand
the subject.the subject.
We were hungry,We were hungry, soso we ordered pizza.we ordered pizza.
The word "conjunction" comes from the Latin wordThe word "conjunction" comes from the Latin word
conjungereconjungere (join together).(join together).

Coordinating conjunctionCoordinating conjunction
AA coordinating conjunctioncoordinating conjunction connects words, phrases,connects words, phrases,
or groups of words in a sentence. The words or phrasesor groups of words in a sentence. The words or phrases
being connected should be equal or similar.being connected should be equal or similar.
For example, the wordFor example, the word andand is a coordinating conjunction.is a coordinating conjunction.
Example sentences with "and":Example sentences with "and":
 We are hungryWe are hungry andand thirsty.thirsty.
 He asked us to clean our roomsHe asked us to clean our rooms andand wash the dishes.wash the dishes.
 John works as a teacherJohn works as a teacher andand Beth works as a nurse.Beth works as a nurse.
 The mailman is running awayThe mailman is running away andand the dog is chasing him.the dog is chasing him.

There are seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language.There are seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language.
An easy way to remember the coordinating conjunctions is to rememberAn easy way to remember the coordinating conjunctions is to remember
FANBOYSFANBOYS..
F = forF = for
A = andA = and
N = norN = nor
B = butB = but
O = orO = or
Y = yetY = yet
S = soS = so
Coordinating conjunctions always go between the words or phrases that they areCoordinating conjunctions always go between the words or phrases that they are
connecting.connecting.
In the examples below, the equal parts of the sentences that are being joined areIn the examples below, the equal parts of the sentences that are being joined are
underlined. The coordinating conjunction is bold.underlined. The coordinating conjunction is bold.
Examples:Examples:
I will be late to the partyI will be late to the party,, forfor  I am working until sevenI am working until seven..
Tom likes to Tom likes to readread andand  writewrite..
Sally does not like the mountainsSally does not like the mountains,, nornor does she like the oceandoes she like the ocean..
I wanted to ride my bikeI wanted to ride my bike,, butbut  the tire was flatthe tire was flat..
Fred wants Fred wants peaspeas oror  carrotscarrots for supper.for supper.
I love chocolateI love chocolate,, yetyet  I do not eat chocolate ice creamI do not eat chocolate ice cream..
She was late to workShe was late to work,, soso  her boss made her stay after fiveher boss made her stay after five..

 Examples of independent clauses:Examples of independent clauses:
 Tom walked the dog.Tom walked the dog.
SubjectSubject = Tom= Tom
VerbVerb = walked= walked
"Tom walked the dog" is an independent clause."Tom walked the dog" is an independent clause.
 Tom grabbed the mail.Tom grabbed the mail.
SubjectSubject = Tom= Tom
VerbVerb = grabbed= grabbed
"Tom grabbed the mail" is also an independent clause."Tom grabbed the mail" is also an independent clause.
 These two independent clauses can beThese two independent clauses can be combinedcombined with awith a
coordinating conjunction. When we combine these two sentences,coordinating conjunction. When we combine these two sentences,
the second "Tom" will be changed to "he."the second "Tom" will be changed to "he."

 Examples:Examples:
Tom walked the dog, so he grabbed the mail.Tom walked the dog, so he grabbed the mail.
OROR
Tom walked the dog, and he grabbed the mail.Tom walked the dog, and he grabbed the mail.
Here are a few more examples of coordinatingHere are a few more examples of coordinating
conjunctions connecting independent clauses.conjunctions connecting independent clauses.
I want to go see a movieI want to go see a movie,, but my sister has my car.but my sister has my car.
Lisa loves catsLisa loves cats,, yet she does not want one living in heryet she does not want one living in her
house.house.

When using a coordinating conjunction with a list ofWhen using a coordinating conjunction with a list of
itemsitems
You should put or leave out the comma before the coordinatingYou should put or leave out the comma before the coordinating
conjunctionconjunction Example with comma:Example with comma:
She is cooking chicken, potatoes, corn, and carrot.She is cooking chicken, potatoes, corn, and carrot.
Example without comma:Example without comma:
She is cooking chicken, potatoes, corn and carrot. She is cooking chicken, potatoes, corn and carrot.

InterjectionInterjection
An interjection is a short sound, word or phrase used toAn interjection is a short sound, word or phrase used to
express the speaker's emotion.express the speaker's emotion.
Examples:Examples:
Oh! Look out! Ow! Hey! Wow! Ah! Um...Oh! Look out! Ow! Hey! Wow! Ah! Um...
WowWow , that's amazing!, that's amazing!
AhAh, that was a good meal., that was a good meal.
UmUm... I'm not sure what to say.... I'm not sure what to say.
Oh dearOh dear! What happened?! What happened?
HelloHello! How are you doing?! How are you doing?
WellWell, that's an option too., that's an option too.
The word "interjection" comes from the Latin wordThe word "interjection" comes from the Latin word interjicereinterjicere (throw(throw
between).between).

Parts of Speech Guide

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