English Grammar

Eight Parts of Speech | Learn 8 Parts of Speech in Grammar

Eight Parts of Speech in English Language
Written by grammrary.com

Imagine you are solving a puzzle, Do you know the importance of putting it all in the right way? Words are exactly like puzzle pieces, each having its significance. These words are called “Parts of Speech.” Parts of Speech play an important role in English Grammar, being building blocks of the English language, to convey meaning and construct sentences.

Parts of Speech are the categories in which words are classified on the basis of basis of grammar. It defines the role of these words in sentence construction. Let’s explore Eight Parts of Speech, to enhance your understanding and knowledge.  There are eight parts of speech. 

These are Eight Parts of Speech:

  1. Noun
  2. Pronoun
  3. Verbs
  4. Adverb
  5. Adjectives
  6. Preposition
  7. Conjunction
  8. Interjection

Nouns:

The word Noun is derived from Latin “Nomen” meaning “Name” Noun is defined as part of speech that refers to the name of a person, thing, or place. It could be the name of any specific object like living creatures, actions, places, qualities, ideas, or state of existence. A noun can act as a subject or an object in a sentence. Nouns have various properties and are classified depending on their occurrence. 

Types of Noun in Eight Parts of Speech:

Sr noType of Noun DescriptionExamples
1Common nounAny general idea or objectGirl, Boy
2Proper nounName of particular person, place, or thingUnited States of America
3Abstract nounA noun that cannot be perceived through the five sensesLove
4Collective noun A specific group of people, places, or thingsColony, Herd
5Compound nounTwo or more than two words combine and function as a noun. Atlantic Ocean
6Possessive Nouns Shows ownership or possessionAira’s bag or Sam’s car
7Concrete NounA noun that can be perceived through the five sensesPiano
8Countable NounA noun we can count as individual units.Two apples, Three chocolates, 
9Uncountable NounA noun  refers to a group or collection of people, animals, or things.Flock, Team, Herd
10Singular NounWhen you refer to one thing, person or place.Pen, chair, Book
10Plural nounA group of people, things or places.Pens, Hostels, Books
11Concrete NounA noun that can be perceived through the five sensesPiano

Examples of nouns used in sentences:

  • I saw a cute kid in park.
  • He always carries his inhaler with him.

Pronouns:

They function as a noun. A pronoun is defined as a word which replaces a noun in a sentence. Using pronouns in sentences is a way to avoid repetition of the same words. Pronouns are words like he, she, we, you, they etc. For example, Consider “Lisa went to market. She bought a new dress.” instead of “Lisa went to market. Lisa bought a new dress.” Isn’t the first one more attractive and structured?

Types of Pronoun in Eight Parts of Speech:

Sr noType of PronounDefinitionExample
1Personal PronounsPersonal pronoun is used to replace specific things, groups, or persons.She is going to the market.
2Demonstrative PronounsDemonstrative pronouns used to direct to specific items or groups.I preferred this dress over that one.
3Relative PronounRelative pronouns are used to connect phrases.The person who went, came back.
4Indefinite PronounIndefinite pronouns are used to refer to nonspecific things or persons.Everyone should bring their own lunch.
5Interrogative PronounInterrogative pronouns are used to ask questions.What are you cooking for dinner?
6Possessive PronounPossessive pronouns used to show possession.Is this dress his or yours?
7Reflexive PronounUsed when the subject and object refer to the same entity.She cut herself while cooking.
8Subject PronounUsed as the subject of a sentence.He is going to the store
9Object PronounUsed as the object of a verb or preposition.She gave the rose to me.
10Reciprocal PronounIndicates an action carrying out reciprocally.They hugged themselves after the test.

Examples of pronouns used in sentences:

He is going to the store to buy groceries.
She finished her project ahead of schedule.
They are planning a surprise party for him.

Verbs:

Verb is defined as a word that describes any action, state, or occurrence. Verbs express states, actions or occurrences. A verb tells us action done by the subject of a sentence. Presence of one verb in a sentence is a compulsion and verbs are a vital and central component of a sentence. A sentence can be composed only on a single verb at the most basic level.  For example, the words write, describe, eat and play are verbs. Did you realise that verbs are used in different types that don’t necessarily behave similarly. Correct use of verbs is important. 

Types of Verb in Eight Parts of Speech:

Sr no.Verb TypeDescriptionExample
1Action VerbsExpress physical or mental actions.She cook perfectly.
2Linking VerbsConnect the subject to a subject complement, indicating a state of being.Aira is a talented writer.
3Helping VerbsAssist the main verb in a sentence, indicating tense, possibility, necessity, etc.She is preparing for the practical.
4Modal VerbsExpress ability, possibility, necessity, permission, or probability.She must complete the homework.
5Transitive VerbsRequire a direct object to complete their meaning.We ate the delicious Pasta.
6Intransitive VerbsDo not require a direct object.The kid slept on the sofa.
7Reflexive VerbsReflect the action back onto the subject.She hurt herself while playing. They enjoyed themselves at the party.
8Phrasal VerbsConsist of a main verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs).I looked up the topic in the notes.
9Irregular VerbsHave unpredictable conjugations in past and past participle forms.We ate breakfast early today.
10Regular VerbsFollows a regular conjugation pattern.He always writes to Peter.
11Dynamic VerbDescribes actions or processes.The river flows smoothly.
12Stative VerbShows a state or condition.She knows her secret.
13The Gerunds and InfinitivesA verb form that functions as a noun is called gerundShe is learning physiology.

Use of verbs in Eight Parts of Speech:

  • Sarah published an article and a book.
  • Sara is baking cakes and pizza.
  • She did it perfectly.
  • The dress looks beautiful.
  • I have finished my work.

Adverbs:

These provide additional information about verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, answering questions like “how,” “when,” or “where”.They describe or modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and provide information about actions like when, how, where it is done. Adverbs add meaning to sentences, giving the overall meaning of the action or its quality.

Types of Adverb:

Sr noType of adverbDescriptionExample
1Adverbs of MannerIt describe how a work is doneQuickly, elegantly, fastly, slowly, carefully and cleverly etc.
2Adverbs of TimeThese adverbs describe when timings of action take place. Soon, now, tomorrow, and later etc
3Adverbs of PlaceThese adverbs describe the place of action.Here, there, everywhere, and nowhere etc
4Adverbs of FrequencyAdverbs that express how many times anything is done.Often, rarely, always and never etc
5Adverb of DegreeIt modifies other adverbs or adjectives, indicating the intensity of the action.Include very, almost, too, and quite etc
6Adverbs of CertaintyThey exhibit the level of certainty of an actionDefinitely, certainly, absolutely

Use of adverbs in Eight Parts of Speech

  • She did it perfectly.
  • He rarely misses his morning walk.
  • He runs fastly.

Adjectives:

Adjective is defined as a word that adds detail and description to a noun or pronoun. Adjectives modify or describe nouns or pronouns. Examples include “interesting”, “beautiful,” “tall,” and “mysterious.” Adjectives enhance the writing because it qualifies nouns and pronouns. You can use adjectives to qualify objects independently or in comparison with something else. 

Types of Adjectives, and its role in Eight Parts of Speech:

Sr noType of adjectiveDescriptionExample
1Quantitative adjectiveIndicates quantity of noun.Some, few, many etc
2Numeral adjectiveUsed to represent nouns with reference to a number.First, second etc
3Descriptive adjective Define characteristics and the qualities of a nounHappy, beautiful, sad
4Demonstrative adjectiveIt is used to point out the noun that is described. That, those, this etc
5Exclamatory adjectiveUsed to show possession or ownership.Examples are my, his,your, her, our etc
6Interrogative adjectiveIt is used to ask about a noun.What, how, which etc
7Possessive adjectiveShows possessionMy, his, her etc
8Comparative adjectiveUsed to compare nouns, indicate a higher and lower degree.bigger, smaller, more intelligent
9Superlative adjectiveUsed to indicate the highest or lowest degree of a quality.Examples are smallest, biggest, most intelligent


Use of Adjectives
in Eight Parts of Speech:

  • I prefer this dress over the one she recommended.
  • Only a few students attended the lecture.
  • She was the first girl to guide me.
  • This is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.

Prepositions:

Prepositions are words that establish relationships in a sentence. It may describe the relationship between noun, pronoun or other parts of a sentence. It describe location, time, manner or direction of the work that is being done. Examples include between, below and above etc.

Types of prepositions:

Sr. noTypeDescription Example 
1Simple Prepositions:It shows relationships.She is sitting on the chair.
 2Compound PrepositionsCombination of two or more words.He walked alongside the river.
3Double PrepositionForms by combining two simple prepositionsAccording to results, we won.
4Phrasal PrepositionTwo or more words functions as a single prepositional phraseHe sat down in front of the TV.
5Participle Preposition It forms from a participle.During the meeting, she took notes.
 6Prepositions of Time: Indicates time when an action takes place.She will meet you at home tomorrow.
 7Prepositions of Place:Specify location of something.She is hiding behind the sofa.
 8Prepositions of DirectionIndicates the direction of movement.He walked towards the restaurant
 9Prepositions of MannerShows the reason behind an action.He was shivering with cold.
 10Prepositions of AgentIndicates who performs an action.A skilled artist created the painting.
11Preposition of PossessionShows ownership between two elements.The colour of the shirt is red.
12Monadic PrepositionShows a single object, relate the subject to time, place, or manner.He sat in the street.
13Dyadic PrepositionShows two objects and highlight their relationship.The book is between two bookends.
14Adverbial PrepositionIt functions as adverbs and modify verbs.He walked in fastly.
15Adjectival PrepositionFunction as adjective and modify nounsThe girl with glasses is my friend.
 16Prepositions of MannerDescribes how an action is performed.She completed her homework with dedication.
 17Prepositions of Condition: Shows circumstances under which an action occurs.They will cancel their plan unless it stops hailing.
 18Prepositions of PurposeIndicate the purpose for an action.We went to the market for groceries.

Use of prepositions in sentences:

  • He placed the cup on the shelf.
  • They went to KFC and market after school.
  • The keys are on the table.
  • They are jogging on the track.

Conjunctions:

A conjunction connect words, clauses or phrases in a sentence. It establish relationship between words, clauses and phrases. It joins elements, and provide a smooth flow to sentence structure. There are different types of conjunctions and these are classified according to their specific purpose. The main types of conjunctions include coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.

Types of conjunctions, and its role in in Eight Parts of Speech:

Sr no.TypesDescriptionExample
1CoordinatingConnects words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.She likes coffee and tea.

I want to go, but it’s raining.

He can sing or dance.

2SubordinatingIntroduces a subordinate clause, indicating a relationship with the main clause.I’ll go to the park if the weather is nice.

She left the party because she felt tired.

3CorrelativeComes in pairs and connects similar elements within a sentence.You can either eat the cake or save it for later.

Not only did she study, but also she practiced.

Use of conjunction in sentences:

  • I like both chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
  • I will go to the beach if the weather is sunny.
  • They continued playing outside although it started raining.
  • She stayed at home because she wasn’t feeling well.
  • The team is both talented and hardworking.

Interjections:

Interjections convey emotions. They fill life into expressions. They express feelings like joy, happiness, feelings, frustration, excitement etc.  Examples include Oh, Wow, and Ouch.

Types of Interjections:

Sr noType of InterjectionDescriptionExamples
1Joyful InterjectionIt express joy, happiness or excitement.Woo-hoo! 
2Surprise InterjectionTo convey surprised or unexpected reactions.Oh!
3Exclamatory InterjectionsExpress reactions or emotionsOuch
4Conversational InterjectionsHelps in informal communicationAnyway!
5Positive InterjectionsShows positive emotionsFantastic!
6Negative InterjectionsConvey negative emotionsUgh!
7Casual InterjectionsHelps in casual communicationUh-huh!
8Formal InterjectionsIt enables formal communicationAlas!
9Mild InterjectionsExpress moderate emotionsEr!
10Strong InterjectionsShows intense emotions Whoa!
11Expressive InterjectionsAdding emotion to statementsEureka!
12Attention-Grabbing InterjectionsCapturing someone’s focusHey! 
13Interruptive InterjectionsIt interrupts a conversation,Stop!
14Responsive InterjectionsHelps responding to somethingOh, I see.

Examples of Interjections, and its use in Eight Parts of Speech:

  • Wow, what a beautiful decor!
  • Wow! That’s an outstanding trick!
  • Welldone! You delivered a fantastic speech. 
  • Opps, that hurts!
  • Bye! Have a safe journey!
8 Parts of Speech

Learn Eight Parts of Speech – English Grammar

In conclusion, a proper knowledge of parts of speech is necessary for grammatically correct and coherent sentence structure. Mastering parts of speech enhances your language skills because it craft a compelling narrative and express your thoughts. Learning parts of speech allows you to convey your ideas with clarity because it gives understanding of how to use nouns, pronouns, and other parts of speech.

About the author

grammrary.com

The author of Grammrary.com is a Certified TEFL Trainer from Arizona State University with over 7 years of experience teaching English to students from different cultures around the world. Teaching English is both his profession and passion, and he is dedicated to helping learners improve their language skills.