The Eight Parts of Speech in the English Language

There are eight parts of speech in the English language: noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.

1. NOUNS

These are words that are used to name persons, things, animals, places, ideas, or events.

  • My friend’s name is Mary.
  • I have a blue pen.
  • The dog is hungry.
  • My birthday is in May.

2. PRONOUNS

Pronouns replace nouns and make sentences shorter and clearer.

  • She cut her finger.
  • That book is mine.
  • They go to school every day.
  • Our teacher is kind.

3. ADJECTIVES

An adjective is a describing word. It tells you more about nouns and pronouns.

  • He is an old man.
  • The ice cream is very sweet.
  • Your clothes are very dirty.
  • The sky is very blue.

4. VERBS

Without verbs, you cannot make a sentence. A verb can express a physical action, a mental action, or a state of being.

  • The boy is climbing the tree.
  • I like to eat bananas
  • You are very tall.

5. ADVERBS

An adverb is a word that describes a verb, adjective, and even another adverb.

  • I like to walk slowly to school
  • Please write more clearly.
  • I sometimes walk to school.
  • My friend lives next door.

6. PREPOSITION

A preposition shows the relationship between two other nearby words.

  • My birthday is on Monday.
  • The bird is flying in the sky.
  • I get up at six o’clock.
  • My house is behind the hospital.

7. CONJUNCTIONS

Conjunctions connect words or sentences.

  • My father is old but strong.
  • Are you a boy or a girl?
  • We have been friends since kindergarten.
  • Can I have a book and a pen?

8. INTERJECTIONS

Interjections are words that express emotions.

  • Merry Christmas!
  • Ouch! That hurt.
  • Good luck!