Some common words functioning as different parts of speech. In these examples we have seen how one word, fast, can function as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb, depending on the job is has to do in the sentence. Note that the word fast as an adjective and adverb have essentially the same meaning. In this case the word fast describes the verb, drive. My brother likes to drive fast (rapidly, with speed). If a word describes a verb, and adjective, or an adverb, it is an adverb. This time the word fast functions as an adjective.Īdjectives come before nous or after linking or state of being verbs.Ĥ. In this case the word fast describes the word cars. My brother likes fast (rapid, with speed) cars. If a word describes an noun, it functions as an adjective. Note that the fast as a noun or verb have basically the same meaning.ģ. In this case, the word fast shows the action of the sentence, so it is a verb. Muslims fast (not eating) during the month of Ramadan. If a word shows action, it functions as a verb. Many nouns are preceded by an adjective and/or by a determiner (a, an, the, my, your, his, her, its, our, their).Ģ. The word fast is a direct object, and thus, a noun. Muslims break their fast (not eating) after sunset during Ramadan. If a word functions as a subject or an object, it does the job of a noun. Many sentences also have objects (either direct or indirect object, of objects of prepositions).

There are several jobs in all sentences.Instead, we look at the job the words do in the sentence. We don’t even simply look at the words’ meanings. In English, to determine the parts of speech of the words in a sentence, we don’t simply look at the words. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see all of our lessons and get the latest videos right away! You can download the practice sheet NOW! How do we determine the parts of speech for each word? How do we determine the parts of speech of words, and how can the same word be more than one of them? Here is the free English video lesson I taught on YouTube: Understanding the parts of speech in a sentence is important. The download at the end will give you additional practice understanding how the same word can function as different parts of speech. In this posting I talk about how this is possible. Sometimes even words with similar meanings can function as different parts of speech. Many English words can function as two or more parts of speech.

What part of speech is the word but