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What is a noun?
A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. Teacher, city, chair, and honesty are all nouns. Most sentences need at least one noun to say what or who the sentence is about.
- The teacher graded the essays overnight.
- Honesty matters more than being liked.
What is a pronoun?
A pronoun stands in for a noun so a sentence doesn't have to repeat it. He, she, it, they, this, and who are all pronouns.
- Maria finished her report, then she left early.
What is a verb?
A verb shows an action or a state of being. Run, decide, and become are verbs, and so is a simple word like is. Every complete sentence needs a verb.
- She sprinted across the finish line.
- The soup smells wonderful.
What is an adjective?
An adjective describes a noun or pronoun, usually answering which one, what kind, or how many. Blue, three, and curious are all adjectives.
- A curious fox followed the three hikers.
What is an adverb?
An adverb describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, often answering how, when, where, or to what degree. Many, but not all, end in -ly, such as quickly, often, and very.
- She spoke quietly but very confidently.
What is a preposition?
A preposition shows how a noun or pronoun relates to another word in the sentence, often about place, time, or direction. In, after, near, and without are prepositions.
- The keys are under the mat near the door.
What is a conjunction?
A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses. And, but, or, and because are conjunctions.
- I wanted to leave, but the meeting ran long.
What is an interjection?
An interjection expresses a short burst of emotion and usually stands apart from the rest of the sentence. Wow, ouch, and hey are interjections.
- Wow, that sunset is incredible!
Frequently asked questions
What is a verb?
A word that shows an action or a state of being, such as run, decide, or is. Every complete sentence needs one.
What is an adjective?
A word that describes a noun or pronoun, such as blue, three, or curious.
What is an adverb?
A word that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb, often answering how, when, where, or to what degree, such as quickly or very.
What is the difference between an adjective and an adverb?
An adjective describes a noun (a quiet room), while an adverb describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb (she spoke quietly).
How many parts of speech are there in English?
Most grammar references count eight: noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.
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