Grammar doesn’t have to be complicated. As writers, we use these building blocks every day, often without thinking about them. However, when editing our work, it can be helpful to understand exactly what role a word is playing in a sentence.

This simple reference guide covers some of the most common parts of speech.

Adjective

An adjective is a describing word. It adds meaning to a noun or pronoun.

Examples:

  • fast car
  • windy day
  • happy child

Adverb

An adverb adds meaning to a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.

Examples:

  • very humid
  • too hot
  • She ran quickly.

Noun

A noun is the name of a person, place, thing, or idea.

Examples:

  • Dylan
  • Australia
  • computer
  • happiness

Example sentences:

  • Dylan came to Australia in 2018.
  • Messing around on his computer brings him happiness.

Pronoun

A pronoun is a word used in place of a noun.

Examples:

  • he
  • she
  • they
  • mine

Example sentence:

  • He is mine.

Verb

A verb is a doing, being, or having word.

Examples:

  • The dog ate his food.
  • We are happy.
  • They have a new teacher.

Understanding these basic parts of speech can make editing easier and help you spot problems in your writing more quickly. Even experienced writers occasionally need a refresher, which is why I’ve created these grammar notes as a handy reference for myself and anyone else who finds them useful.