I think the first thing to do before we roll up our sleeves and get down to business is to make sure we’re all on the same page. The following is a brief glossary of the basic terms that will be used a lot in this blog. So whether it’s been a while or you somehow missed it the first time around, here is the bedrock of grammar-babble:
Noun
A noun is traditionally defined as a person, place, thing, or idea. People, places, and things are known as concrete nouns while ideas are known as abstract nouns. When you have one of something, it’s singular; when you have more than one of something, it’s plural. Nouns that are singular but represent something plural are called collective nouns. Actual names are proper nouns and are capitalized.
- People:
- Frank was a doctor.
- Places:
- Did you go to the store on Main Street?
- Things:
- My computer needs a new fan.
- Ideas:
- Do you believe in the Bohemian ideals of freedom, beauty, truth, and love?
Pronoun
A pronoun is a shorter, easier, generic stand-in for a noun. It breaks up the repetition and monotony of needing to repeat the noun over and over again. It also makes it easier to ask a question of an unknown noun. Personal pronouns refer to people.
- Examples:
- Did I do that?
- Can you believe it?
- Who does she think she is?
Adjective
An adjective has exactly one purpose in life: to modify a noun (or a pronoun). It can come right before its noun or go its separate way.
- Examples:
- The little girl lost her new balloon.
- I need to wash the shirt because it got dirty.
- That fat liar is shameless.
Verb
There are two different kinds of verbs: Dynamic verbs are all about action and doing, while stative verbs focus on describing how something is. Many verbs can go either way depending on how they’re used.
- Dynamic:
- Mike looked out the window.
- Jim smelled himself and realized he needed a shower.
- Lucy felt the lump on her head and began to worry.
- Stative:
- You look marvelous.
- Something smells rotten.
- I feel sick.
Adverb
The adverb serves three different fuctions: It modifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
- Examples:
- When the police arrived, the vandals quickly ran away.
- That’s a very pretty dress you’re wearing.
- Sloths move extraordinarily slowly.
Conjuction
A conjuction joins together things like nouns, verbs, and you name it. Once together, they can be treated as a unit or they can be compared or contrasted.
- Examples:
- Some people love ham sandwiches, although others prefer peanut butter and jelly.
- Should I stay or should I go?
- Game consoles are fun, but they can also be expensive.
Preposition
A preposition shows the relationship between two things, whether it’s a matter of physical location, events in time, or more abstract considerations.
- Examples:
- Keep your hands above your head!
- I usually floss before I brush my teeth.
- Many people reacted to the news of Michael Jackson’s death with shock and sorrow.
- I don’t want to talk about that.
