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Dandereshy


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Nov
9th
2016

Grammar and Punctuation: Lesson 1, Part 2 · 9:54pm Nov 9th, 2016

Good Wording: Parts of Speech

In general, words have characteristics that enable them to function in language:

• Words have meaning.
• Words can be joined together into structures, such as phrases, clauses, and sentences.
• Words take different forms that determine their meaning and dictate how they fit together.

These three essential characteristics are known as semantics, syntax, and inflection, respectively.

Note: Semantics is the realm of language concerned with the meaning of words. Syntax refers to the way words fit together into larger structures. Inflection is the changing of words into various forms.

Semantics, syntax, and inflection are closely interrelated. To really understand any of them, it helps to have a good grasp of the other two. Fortunately, if you can speak English, (If you can't, then why are you here...?) you already have a good sense of English semantics and should be able wrap your brain around syntax and inflection---the structure of language and the forms of words. These things are pretty much exactly what the rules of grammar are all about.

Note: The eight parts of speech apply not only to English grammar, but to most Indo-European languages. The grammarian Dionysus Thrax first identified the eight parts of speech in the first century B.C. when he used them to describe ancient Greek.

All words belong to different parts of speech. These parts of speech---eight of them---make up the different categories that words belong to. The categories depend on what functions the words serve in the language. You can read about the eight parts of speech in detail in the subsequent lessons, but for now, here's a list of said parts, each with an explanation:

Nouns. Nouns name things. It's hard to talk without using them. That's what makes nouns so useful.
Pronouns. Thanks to pronouns, nouns don't have to be repeated when everyone already knows what they are. Her and she, for example, are pronouns that come in handy so we don't have to say annoying things such as, "Betty wears a watch on Betty's ankle so Betty can keep track of time when Betty meditates in the lotus position." We know we're talking about Betty:applejackunsure:. "She wears a watch on her ankle when she meditates."
Verbs. Verbs indicate action. Something is always going on, so we need verbs to... to... You name it!
Adjectives. Adjectives describe nouns so we know what things are like. Words such as green, lumpy, pungent, elastic, and hopeful are adjectives.
Adverbs. Adverbs modify verbs and adjectives. They're the words the typically end in -ly. In fact, only a few -ly ending words aren't adverbs: contumely is a noun; surely and jolly are adjectives. One important adverb doesn't end in -ly, though. It's well, which is the adverb form of the adjective good.
Conjunctions. Conjunctions join words and phrases. They include coordinating conjunctions such as and, but, or, nor, and yet and subordinating conjunctions such as if, because, although, and until.
Prepositions. These things. Just kidding. Prepositions such as at, for, to, and with come before nouns or pronouns to link them to another word in the sentence. In the sentence, "I'll be at Evan's place," at is the preposition linking the noun, Evan's place to the verb, be.
Interjections. Grammar has a whole separate category for the kinds of words people shout when they stub their toe or win the lottery. Interested words and phrases used as exclamations such as ouch! darnit, son of a gun, and sweet! Interjections also include more colorful expressions best left unsaid here. :ajsmug:

Note: To help remember the parts of speech, remember this acronym: IVAN CAPP (interjections, verbs, adjectives, nouns, conjunctions, adverbs, prepositions, pronouns).

In addition to these eight parts of speech, some sources recognize on additional part of speech:

Articles. Articles come before a noun to show whether it's a definite (the pistachio, the ton of bricks) or indefinite (a bookshelf, an opportunity).

Words that belong to these eight categories make up all English sentences. Groups of words called phrases can also be categorized as different parts of speech---eight phrases, verb phrases, etc. If you understand what each of these categories represents, you're well on your way to mastering English grammar. Next, you'll need to learn how the parts of speech should and should not be put together to form sentences.

The Least You Need to Know

• Many people have unpleasant experiences studying grammar in school.
• Some people learn the rules of Standard English more easily than others as a result of regional and cultural variations in speech.
• We can categorize words and phrases according to the famed eight parts of speech: interjections, verbs, adjectives, nouns, conjunctions, adverbs, prepositions, and pronouns.

Well, that's it for this lesson. In the next lesson, (whenever I get to it) we'll go ahead and begin the journey through the eight parts of speech starting with nouns. Hope to see you there, and thanks for reading!

Comments ( 12 )

4294709

Why what, fellow FiMFictioner?

4294719 You chuckled and you know it.

4294740

Maybe so, but you'll never know. :raritywink:

On a different note, did you enjoy the lesson? Was it helpful?

4294741 No I am dyslexic and can't tell/see were punctuation go. Not when writing anyway . I can see it in others works but not my own. So your blog just make me feel bad about myself.:pinkiesad2:

4294753

Well shoot. I'm sorry.

4294756 No your not! Your just a big meanie pants that picking on me!!!( you do know I am just bucking with you?)

4294761 Yes, but I am sincerely sorry I'm unable to help you due to your disability. I like to help people.

4294767 Thank you. I was think of getting dragon software so I can talk instead of type.

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