Word classes (also called parts of speech) are categories of words based on their function in a sentence. Below is a breakdown of the major ones, with explanations, examples of words, and a sentence for each:
What it is: A word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.
Examples:
Example sentence: The teacher gave the students homework.
What it is: A word that expresses an action or a state of being.
Examples:
Example sentence: She runs every morning before work.
What it is: A word that describes or modifies a noun.
Examples:
Example sentence: He wore a bright yellow shirt.
What it is: A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb—often tells how, when, where, or to what extent.
Examples:
Example sentence: She sings beautifully.
What it is: A word that replaces a noun to avoid repetition.
Examples:
Example sentence: They went to the store instead of John and Mary.
What it is: A word that shows the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another word in the sentence (often location, time, or direction).
Examples: in, on, under, after, between, during
Example sentence: The book is on the table.
What it is: A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses.
Examples: and, but, or, because, although
Example sentence: She wanted to go out, but it was raining.
What it is: A word or phrase that expresses emotion or sudden reaction. Often stands alone.
Examples: wow, oh no, ouch, hey, huh
Example sentence: Wow! That was an amazing performance.
What it is: A word that comes before a noun to show which one, how many, or whose.
Examples:
Example sentence: Those apples look fresh.