Word Classes: Part 2

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A word class is the category we assign a word to in order to show how it functions in a sentence. In the first part of this article, we looked at adjectives, adverbs, nouns, and verbs. Click here to read it.

This week we’re looking at conjunctions, determiners, exclamations, prepositions and pronouns.

Conjunction

A conjunction is a word used to connect different parts of a sentence. Conjunctions are sometimes called ‘connective words’.

Here are some examples of conjunctions functioning in sentences:

Sarah threw the ball, but Thomas dropped it.
The teachers might have to reschedule the picnic if it rains, or perhaps they’ll plan another activity instead.
My dream is to go to Australia and see the kangaroos.

Determiner

A determiner introduces a noun.

Here are some examples of determiners functioning in sentences:

Sarah threw a ball to Thomas.
Every week the school hosts a picnic, but this week it was cancelled because of the rain.
My dream is to go to Australia and see the kangaroos.

Exclamation

An exclamation or interjection is used to express a strong emotion.

Here are some examples of determiners functioning in sentences:

Sarah threw a ball to Thomas. ‘Oops!’ Thomas said as it slipped from his fingers and rolled away.
‘Oh no!’ said the teacher. ‘It’s raining! We’ll have to cancel the picnic.’
‘It’s a dream come true!’ I said when I finally saw the kangaroos.

Pronoun

A pronoun is a word used to avoid repeating a noun that has been mentioned before.

Here are some examples of pronouns functioning in sentences:

She threw the ball to Thomas. He dropped it.
It rained so they cancelled the picnic. Henry struggled to hide his disappointment.
My dream is to go there and see the kangaroos, but I have a fear of flying and need to find something to help me get over it.

Pronouns can be divided further depending on their role in a sentence and we’ll look at types of pronouns in more detail in a future blog post.

Preposition

A preposition is used to show the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in the sentence. They might describe the position of something, when something happens, or how something happens.

Here are some examples of prepositions functioning in sentences:

She threw the ball to Thomas. After dropping it a few times, he finally managed to catch it.
It rained on Saturday so they cancelled the picnic. Henry struggled to hide his disappointment.
Despite my fear of flying, I want to see kangaroos in Australia. Perhaps I can listen to calming music during the flight.

Have a good week!

27 Feb 2017
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Word Classes: Part 2

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