1. Grammar

1.1. Parts of Speech

The part of speech of a word depends on its use in the sentence.

NOUN

names a person, place, thing, idea.

Mary sings. I went to Texas. See the box. He showed indifference.

PRONOUN

takes place of a noun

He sings. Everyone was tired. Give them time.

I know whom you mean.

VERB

a word of action or being.

Bill ran fast. He was happy. The rug faded. He wanted money.

Paula has been singing. She might have seen me. I could try it.

(Helping verbs: may can must might shall will should would could have do be.)

ADJECTIVE

modifies noun or pronoun.

The big tree, Mother’s ring, a kind person, sixteen blackbirds.

ANSWERS the QUESTIONS: WIDCH ONE? WHAT KIND? WHOSE? HOW MANY?

ADVERB

modifies verb, adjective, or other adverb.

Ran swiftly, too fat, very simply done, stated clearly.

ANSWERS the QUESTIONS: WHERE? WHEN? WHY? HOW?

CONJUNCTION

joins two words, phrases, or clauses.

Bob and I; down the street and around the comer; While it snowed, the cat slept.

PREPOSITION

connects a noun or pronoun with rest of sentence and gives some relationship, such as:

space (in the box), time (after school), direction (toward the house), cause (for his country.)

INTERJECTION

exclamation.

Oh! Look at that! Wow! He did it!

Alas! We shall not meet again.