Parts of Speech

The Types of Words We Use

Reviewing the Parts of Speech will be necessary if we are going to work towards writing with correct grammar and a good style. It makes sense to begin at the beginning. The first parts of speech I learned to read (and write) were a verb and a noun. The style guide that I use most often (The Elements of Style by Strunk and White) makes the point that "In general...it is nouns and verbs...that give good writing its toughness and color." Of course, we will cover a lot more before we're done but first things first.

All English words form a part of categories known as “Parts of Speech”. As the name suggests, these are parts of our everyday speech in the English language. There are eight categories or classifications. They are Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs, Pronouns, Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections.

This is the point where I could have dredged-up and repeated all of those mind-numbing lectures by my English teachers throughout the years but chose not to. I'll try to give simple guides and examples and also rely on the good folks at YouTube and the producers of the wonderful animated series Schoolhouse Rock from American television.

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The type of word necessary in just about every sentence to describe action or being. More explanation and examples on the page for Verbs.

The next of the basic building blocks of the language are the nouns. They are every person, place or thing (including names, which should be Capitalized, of course.)

For a good understanding of the "what, why and how?" of these words, take a minute to read the page on Nouns.

Now we go to the words that add a little spice to the writing.

What do you want to tell about those nouns and how do you want to describe them? Adjectives are an essential and powerful part of the language but (Warning!) over-use will result in bad writing.

For what they are and how to use them, go to the page for Adjectives.

Make your verbs (or adjectives or even other adverbs) more colorful or clear with well placed Adverbs.


Before we get too far, I want to look at one set of words that can be troublesome for some ESL students. Using Pronouns can add a lot to the easy reading and smooth flow of your writing.

Yes, there are more kinds of words to come but this seems like a good place to stop before the page gets way too long.

Click on the page link below to continue.

More Words and Correct Grammar

Verbs

Nouns

Adjectives

Adverbs

Pronouns

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