Lecture on Word Classes by Elena

Introduction

• Importance of understanding word classes for essay writing and exams.
• Using specific terminology (e.g., "coordinating conjunction" instead of "and") demonstrates knowledge.
• Practice annotating texts using key terms to prepare for exams.

Key Word Classes

1. Nouns

• Types of Nouns:
  • Proper Nouns: Capitalized; names of places, people (e.g., Dormouse, Alice).
  • Common Nouns: General items.
  • Concrete Nouns: Physical objects (e.g., table, chair).
  • Abstract Nouns: Intangible concepts (e.g., love, happiness).
  • Collective Nouns: Groups (e.g., parliament, school, crew).

2. Verbs

• Main Verbs: Describe primary actions (e.g., play, sing).
• Auxiliary Verbs: Modify the main verb; affect tense, mood, aspect (e.g., "be", "have", "do").
  • Modal Auxiliaries: Express modality (e.g., could, should, will).

3. Adjectives

• Modify nouns (e.g., great, little).
• Comparatives: Compare two objects (end in -er, e.g., prettier).
• Superlatives: Describe the most extreme (end in -est, e.g., prettiest).

4. Adverbs

• Modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (e.g., instantly, there).
• Often end in -ly but can be phrases (e.g., "on the boat").

5. Pronouns

• Replace nouns.
• Types of Pronouns:
  • Personal Pronouns: I, she, them.
  • Demonstrative Pronouns: Point to objects (e.g., this, that).
  • Indefinite Pronouns: Non-specific (e.g., anything, nothing).
  • Relative Pronouns: Introduce relative clauses (e.g., who, that).

6. Conjunctions

• Coordinating Conjunctions: Connect equal clauses (e.g., and, but).
• Subordinating Conjunctions: Connect main and subordinate clauses (e.g., that, although).

7. Prepositions

• Describe relationships of objects (e.g., up, in, off).

8. Determiners

• Specify nouns.
• Definite Articles: "The" (specific reference).
• Indefinite Articles: "A/An" (general reference).
• Possessive Determiners: Indicate possession (e.g., my, her).
• Demonstrative Determiners: This, that.

Additional Notes

• Pronoun Test for Noun Phrases: Pronouns can substitute noun phrases.
• Practice: Annotate texts using these terms to enhance familiarity.

Conclusion

• Practice is crucial for mastering the use of word classes.
• Encourage annotation of different texts to reinforce learning.
• Engage with additional resources for deeper understanding.