Parts of Speech - Nouns
• Almost all words have a “part of speech”. Which part of speech a word has depends on
how it is used in a sentence. Here is a list of the eight parts of speech:
Noun: A noun is a word used to express a thing. So, it is possible for a noun to express a
person, place, object (living and non-living), feeling, idea, or quality.
Example: Maria and her cat are very nice.
In this example, “Maria” and “cat” are nouns because they are both things. “Maria” is a
person and “cat” is a living object.
Directions: Underline the nouns in the following sentences.
1) The house is in Africa.
2) The car is old and is missing one door.
3) When will the bus arrive?
4) Excitement is in the air.
5) Yesterday was the coldest day of the year.
6) Happiness is the best feeling.
7) Tim, Joe, and Anton are my best friends.
8) Evolution is part of nature.
9) My brother is a major league baseball player. 10) Is it time to go yet?
Directions: Now make your own sentences using nouns.
1) _____________________________________________________________________ 2)
_____________________________________________________________________
Nouns – Proper and Common
• A proper noun is a noun that represents a unique entity (James Edwards, England, The
University of North Carolina). Proper nouns are usually capitalized.
• A common noun is a noun that represents a class of things. Example: Maria has a cat named
Boo Kitty.
In this example, “Maria” and “Boo Kitty” are proper nouns because they represent a unique
entity. There is only one Maria, and only one Boo Kitty being referenced. Cat is a common
noun because it represents a class of animal. There are thousands of cats in the world.
Directions: Circle the proper nouns in the box below.
Directions: Underline the proper nouns and circle the common nouns in the following
sentences.
1) The house is in Africa.
2) The Ford truck is missing one door.
3) I am from Belize.
4) Jaime lives at 108 Spring St.
5) Monaco is an expensive city.
6) The Bulls won the game last night.
7) Basketball is so fun.
8) “Mrs. Peach needed to know my phone number,” said Juan. 9) Alamance Community
College is a nice school.
10) Birds are my favorite animals.
Directions: Use the proper nouns in the box below to make two sentences.
1) _____________________________________________________________________ 2)
_____________________________________________________________________
Directions: Now make your one sentences using proper and common nouns.
1) _____________________________________________________________________ 2)
_____________________________________________________________________
Parts of Speech - Adjectives
• Almost all words have a “part of speech”. Which part of speech a word has depends on
how it is used in a sentence. Here is a list of the eight parts of speech:
Adjective: An adjective is a word or phrase that is used to modify a noun or pronoun.
Example: The snake is long and green.
• In this example, long and green are adjectives because they modify the noun snake.
• Some words modify nouns that are not adjectives. These are attributive nouns. They are not
predicative of the noun, so they are not adjectives.
Example: The painting is extremely old.
• In this example, old is an adjective because it modifies the noun painting. However,
extremely is not an adjective. It modifies the adjective old. Therefore it is an adverb.
Example: The baseball team is good.
• In this example, baseball modifies team. However, baseball is not an adjective because it is
not predicative of the noun - the team is not baseball. Good is the only adjective in the
sentence - the team is good.
Directions: Underline the adjectives in the following sentences.
1) The motorcycle is old.
2) Today is cloudy, hot, and humid.
3) The man wearing a blue suit is young.
4) The runner is very fast.
5) He is a good basketball player.
6) Alamance Community College is a great place to learn.
7) The blue bus is late.
8) The rusty truck has an oversized trailer.
9) Jaime is so smart!
10) The job was difficult, but manageable.
11) The house has new plumbing and running water.
12) The silly man laughed uncontrollably.
13) The boy said he was sorry.
14) The intoxicated gentleman wasn’t sure if the clock was fast or slow. 15) “A cleaner
environment,” he trenchantly stated, “Is the key.”
Directions: Now make two of your own sentences using adjectives.
Order of Adjectives
• In English, it is common to use more than one adjective to describe a noun. These adjectives
must be used in the proper order.
Example: Here is a beautiful, red, cloth flag.
Why does beautiful come before red? Why does red come before cloth?
• Understanding the proper order of adjectives takes practice. Use the following table to practice using
the proper order of adjectives in the following sentences.
Directions: Choose the correct order of adjectives in the following sentences.
Number Opinion Size
Age Shape Color Origin
small
round
Material Purpose Noun
German
red
generous
sleeping
old
four
man
metal
1) The woman is wearing a ________ dress.
A) yellow long B) long yellow
2) He is a ________ man. A) tall thin
B) thin tall
3) The company makes ________ products.
A) excellent farming B) farming excellent
4) James recently departed on a ________ trip.
A) camping long B) long camping
5) I love eating ________ strawberries. A) red big
B) big red
6) The ________ woman did well on the test.
A) intelligent young B) young intelligent
7) The ticket costs ________ dollars. A) ten US
B) US ten
8) The scientists have found a ________ cure for the disease.
A) new great
B) great new
9) I am going to wear my ________ tie to the wedding.
A) big cotton blue B) blue big cotton C) big blue cotton
10) Please recycle those ________ bottles. A) three water empty
B) three empty water
C) water empty three
11) She packed her clothes in a ________ box.
A) green flimsy cardboard B) flimsy green cardboard C) cardboard flimsy green
12) Their dog is a ________ shepherd. A) brown big German
B) big brown German
C) German big brown
13) I am drinking from a ________ cup. A) small English tea
B) tea small English
C) English small tea
14) My ________ teacher talks for hours! A) philosophy old boring
B) old philosophy boring
C) boring philosophy old
D) boring old philosophy
Directions: Now write two of your own sentences using more than one adjective to describe a noun.
1) ____________________________________________________________________________
Comparative Adjectives
An adjective is a word or phrase that is used to describe a noun or pronoun.
A comparative adjective is used to make a comparison between two things. This comparison
may show equality or inequality between the two things.
Equal Comparisons:
• To show an equal comparison, you need to use an adjective between the subordinating
conjunctions “as”.
• To show an equal comparison, use the form:
Example: Julia is as tall as the bookshelf. Example: The water is as cold as ice.
Directions: Fill in the spaces with the appropriate comparative adjective.
1. The light shines as ___________ as the sun.
2. The runner moves as ___________ as the wind. 3. The apple is as ___________ as a fire
truck.
4. The giraffe is as ___________ as the tree.
5. That clock is as ___________ as my grandfather. 6. His voice was as ___________ as
thunder.
7. The truck was as ___________ as a house.
8. Your book bag is ___________ as a rock.
Directions: Write two of you own sentences which show an equal comparison.
1) ____________________________________________________________________ 2)
____________________________________________________________________
Unequal Comparisons:
• To show an unequal comparison, you need to use an adjective followed by the
subordinating conjunction “than”. You may have to double the final consonant letter for
some comparative adjectives.
• To show an unequal comparison using an adjective with one syllable, you must add “er” to
the ending.
Example: Yuri is smarter than Joe.
Directions: Fill in the spaces with the appropriate comparative adjective.
1. Dennis is ___________ (old) than Kiki.
2. I am ___________ (tall) than the bookshelf.
as [adjective] as
[adjective + “er”] than
3. My dog is ___________ (fast) than my cat.
4. The soup is ___________ (hot) than the milk.
5. The rock is ___________ (hard) than the banana.
Directions: Write two of you own sentences which show an unequal comparison using an
adjective with one syllable.
1) ____________________________________________________________________ 2)
____________________________________________________________________
• To show an unequal comparison using an adjective with more than one syllable that ends in
“y”, you must omit the “y” and add “ier” to the ending.
Example: The plane is heavier than the bird.
Directions: Fill in the spaces with the appropriate comparative adjective.
1. Yuki was at school __________ (early) than I was.
2. Rice is __________ (sticky) than salad.
3. This exercise is __________ (tricky) than the last one. 4. My little brother is __________
(silly) than I am.
5. This picture is __________ (pretty) than the other one.
Directions: Write two of you own sentences which show an unequal comparison using an
adjective with more than one syllable that ends in “y”.
1) ____________________________________________________________________
2) ____________________________________________________________________
• To show an unequal comparison using an adjective with more than one syllable that does
not end in “y”, the ending of the adjective remains unchanged and you must use “more” or
“less” before the adjective.
Example: The butterfly is more beautiful than the spider.
Directions: Fill in the spaces with the appropriate comparative adjective.
1. Her motorcycle is _______ ____________ (dangerous) than my car.
2. Gold is _______ ____________ (expensive) than silver.
3. Butterflies are _______ ____________ (beautiful) than snakes.
4. The grey jacket is _______ ____________ (colorful) than the pink one. 5. I am _______
____________ (tired) now than I was this morning.
Directions: Write two of you own sentences which show an unequal comparison using an
adjective with more than one syllable that does not end in “y”.
1) ____________________________________________________________________ 2)
____________________________________________________________________
Superlative Adjectives An adjective is a word or phrase used to describe a
noun or pronoun.
A superlative adjective is used to indicate that one thing has some feature to a greater or
lesser degree than all others (in a given context). For example, if Bill is 45, Ted is 27, and
Amy is 43, then Bill is the oldest in the group.
• To show an unequal comparison, you need to use an adjective followed by a preposition
such as “of”, “in”, “on”, etc. It may also be followed by the noun in which it is the greater or
lesser. It may also be followed by nothing else when the context is implicit.
• For superlative adjectives with one syllable, add “est” to the ending.
Example: Anika is the tallest of the three sisters.
In this example, one thing (Anika) has one feature to a greater degree than all others (the
three sisters).
Directions: Fill in the spaces using the appropriate superlative adjective.
1. That building is the __________ (tall) in the neighborhood.
2. Aunt Janet is the __________ (old).
3. My bicycle is the __________ (nice) thing I own.
4. The komodo dragon is the __________ (large) lizard in the world.
5. Mt. Denali is the __________ (high) mountain peak in North America.
Directions: Write two of you own sentences using superlative adjectives with one syllable.
1) ____________________________________________________________________ 2)
____________________________________________________________________
• For superlative adjectives with two syllables that end in “y”, omit the “y” and add “iest” to
the end.
[adjective + “est”] preposition
[adjective + “iest”] preposition
Example: The elephant is the heaviest animal in Africa.
Directions: Fill in the spaces using the appropriate superlative adjective.
1. Jones is always the ____________ (early) to work.
2. Dogs are the ____________ (friendly) animals on earth.
3. That is the ____________ (pretty) ring I have ever seen.
4. The Black Mamba is the ____________ (deadly) snake in the world. 5. It is the
____________ (costly) in North Carolina.
Directions: Write two of you own sentences which show an unequal comparison using an
adjective with more than one syllable that ends in”y”.
1) ____________________________________________________________________ 2)
____________________________________________________________________
• For adjectives with more than one syllable that do not end in “y”, the spelling of the
adjective remains unchanged and use “most” or “least” before the adjective.
Example: The butterfly is the most beautiful insect in the country. Directions: Fill in the
spaces using the appropriate superlative adjective.
1. Her house is the _______ ____________ (expensive) in the neighborhood. 2. 10th st. is the
_______ ____________ (dangerous).
3. Billy is the _______ ____________ (courageous) person I know.
4. The grey one is the _______ ____________ (colorful) of the three.
5. Alaska is the _______ ____________ (northern) state in the US.
Directions: Write two of you own sentences which show an unequal comparison using an
adjective with one syllable.
1) ____________________________________________________________________ 2)
____________________________________________________________________
Parts of Speech – Verbs
• Almost all words have a “part of speech”. Which part of speech a word has depends on
how it is used in a sentence. Here is a list of the eight parts of speech:
Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Conjunction Preposition Pronoun Interjection
Verb: A verb is a word used to express an action or a state of being. A verb may be more
than one word (when it includes helping verbs or auxiliaries). This is called a verb phrase.
Example: The woman painted a picture.
In this example, the word “painted” is a verb because it expresses action. Example: The
woman is a fine painter.
In this example, the word “is” is a verb because it expresses a state of being.
Example: They should not be feeding the lions.
In this example, the words “should not be feeding” are a verb phrase because they include
helping verbs or auxiliaries.
Directions: Underline the verbs (or verb phrases) in the following sentences.
1) The dog runs and jumps.
2) We are studying biology.
3) The tennis player is going to hit the ball.
4) We like to sing, dance, and play.
5) I do not know if I should go to the party tonight.
6) The first car couldn’t have avoided hitting the second car. 7) Hmmm, right now I am
thinking about thinking!
Directions: Now make your own sentences that use verbs.
1) _____________________________________________________________________
Parts of Speech - Adverbs
• Almost all words have a “part of speech”. Which part of speech a word has depends on how
it is used in a sentence. Here is a list of the eight parts of speech:
Adverb: An adverb is a word or phrase that is used to modify a verb, adjective, or another
adverb. Sometimes an adverb is used to modify a conjunction, preposition, or infinitive verb.
Most (but not all) adverbs end in “ly”.
Example: The rabbit jumped quickly.
In this example, “quickly” is an adverb because it is used to modify the verb “jumped”.
Example: Albert Einstein was a very smart mathematician.
In this example, “very” is an adverb because it is used to modify the adjective “smart”.
Example: It started to rain just after the clouds appeared.
In this example, “just” is an adverb because it is used to modify the conjunction “after”.
Example: Jonas usually does his homework.
In this example, “usually” is a (frequency) adverb because it is used to modify the verb
“does”. Directions: Underline the adverbs in the following sentences.
Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Conjunction Preposition Pronoun Interjection
1) The fire spread rapidly.
2) Astronauts are really cool.
3) He did rather well on the test.
4) He told us to talk quietly in the library.
5) We swam right before the storm.
6) The old man drank the juice slowly.
7) It is exactly 3:00 in the afternoon.
8) The cat quickly pounced on the mouse.
9) We walked happily through the forest.
10) Jenna is always so late.
11) Will you please just leave me alone?
12) The race car is extremely fast.
13) He seldom did poorly on tests.
14) Blue is definitely my favorite color.
15) He carried the bowl of soup very carefully.
16) It is getting rather late.
17) I am never leaving.
18) When will we finally be done?
Directions: Now make your own sentences. Try to use adverbs.
1) _____________________________________________________________________ 2)
_____________________________________________________________________
Frequency Adverbs
1. Adverbs of frequency tell how often something happens.
2. Adverbs of frequency come before the main verb if the main verb is not “to be.”
Examples: We usually eat breakfast at 7:00 a.m.
Our dad never gets off work before 6:00.
I sometimes wear a tie to work.
3. Adverbs of frequency come after the verb “to be.” (am, is, are, was, were) Examples: I am
always happy to see you.
You are never ready for school on time!
The students are sometimes discouraged by poor grades.
Here is a chart of frequency adverbs. The percentages show approximately how often
something happens.
Always
100%
Almost always
Usually
95–99%
90–99%
Frequently
80–90%
Often
60–80%
Sometimes
50%
Occasionally
30–40%
Seldom
Rarely
Almost never
Never
5–10%
1–10%
1–5%
0%
Practice using Frequency Adverbs
Directions: Rewrite each sentence on the line. Use the percentages to decide which
adverb to use. Then, decide whether the adverb comes before or after the verb. Example:
Selma catches the 9:15 bus to town. (80–90%)
Selma frequently catches the 9:15 bus to town. Example: She is late for work. (1–10%)
She is rarely late for work.
1. We watch the news at 6:00. (100%)
_______________________________________________________________
2. My wife drives me to work. (50%)
_______________________________________________________________
3. Our neighbor’s son goes to football practice after school. (95–99%)
_______________________________________________________________
4. My mom leaves her keys on the kitchen table. (80-90%)
_______________________________________________________________
5. The baby is hungry when he wakes up. (100%)
_______________________________________________________________
6. The planes take off on time. (90–99%)
_______________________________________________________________
7. The school bus is here by 7:30 a.m. (5–10%)
_______________________________________________________________
8. I go shopping after work. (30–40%)
_______________________________________________________________
9. The kids are ready when the school bus arrives. (1–10%)
10. I am happy when it rains. (0%)
_______________________________________________________________
Parts of Speech - Conjunctions
• Almost all words have a “part of speech”. Which part of speech a word has depends on
how it is used in a sentence. Here is a list of the eight parts of speech:
Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Conjunction Preposition Pronoun Interjection
Conjunction: A conjunction is a word or phrase that shows the relationship between two
words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank. The relationship may give information about time,
reason, agreement/disagreement, or order of events.
Example: I will buy milk and eggs.
In this example, the word “and” is a conjunction because it is used to show the relationship
between the words “milk” and “eggs”.
Example: We want to go to the movie, but we don’t have enough money.
In this example, the word “but” is a conjunction because it is used to show the relationship
between the words “We want to go to the movie” and “we don’t have enough money”.
Example: You must study hard in order to pass the exam.
In this example, the words “in order to” are a conjunction because they are used to show the
relationship between the words “You must study hard” and “pass the exam”.
Directions: Underline the conjunctions in the following sentences.
1) Jones made a cake before the dinner party. 2) He is a good basketball player because he is
very tall.
3) We will go only if our friend can come too.
4) I am very athletic, but I cannot play soccer or tennis very well.
5) Even if it is raining, I will not take my umbrella.
6) I need milk, eggs, towels, and oranges from the grocery store.
7) After we are finished with the test, can we go outside?
8) Your friends can come over whenever they want to.
9) Although we played hard, we still lost the game.
10) I practice English often, for that is the best way to learn.
11) We need to make a reservation in order to eat at the new restaurant.
12) I know my mission is almost impossible, nevertheless I will try my best to accomplish it.
13) I am ready to go whenever you are.
14) Both me and my brother are going to the soccer game.
15) Either John or I will help you study for the test.
16) I will come even if I am late.
17) I have loved playing piano since I was a little girl.
18) The race will start once the whistle blows.
19) I still have no idea how to get to Mulberry St.
20) Rather than wait outside in the rain, we should wait inside their house
Directions: Now make your own sentences below. Try to use conjunctions.
1) _____________________________________________________________________
Coordinating Conjunctions
Above is a list of the coordinating conjunctions. These are used to join two items/clauses
of equal importance.
“and” (+) and “nor” (-) are used to show an agreement between items/clauses. “yet”, and
“but” are used to show a disagreement between clauses.
“for” and “so” are used to show a reason between clauses.
“or” is used to show agreement or disagreement between items/clauses.
Remember, when using a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses
(complete thoughts) you must insert a comma before the conjunction.
Example: I want to buy the new jacket, but it is too expensive. In this example, there are two
independent clauses:
#1: “I want to buy a new jacket.” (complete thought)
#2 “It is too expensive.” (complete thought)
These clauses are separated by a comma and the conjunction “but” which is used to
show disagreement.
Directions: Circle each independent clause in the sentences below (Some sentences may only
have one). Next, say whether the conjunction is used to show an agreement, disagreement, or
reason.
1. I normally like to run, but today I am walking. agreement / disagreement / reason
2. I like strawberry and chocolate ice cream. agreement/disagreement/reason
3. I am smarter than my brother, yet he still got a higher grade on the test. agreement /
disagreement / reason
4. I don’t make good grades, nor do I try very hard in school. agreement / disagreement /
reason
5. It is raining outside today, so I think I will wear my raincoat. agreement / disagreement /
reason
6. He is always crying, for he is very sad. agreement / disagreement / reason
7. I don’t like yellow or blue
agreement / disagreement / reason
Directions: Now say whether the conjunction is used to show an agreement, disagreement, or
reason.
1. and 2. but 3. or 4. yet 5. for 6. nor 7. so
agreement / disagreement / reason agreement / disagreement / reason agreement /
disagreement / reason agreement / disagreement / reason agreement / disagreement / reason
agreement / disagreement / reason agreement / disagreement / reason
Directions: try to fill in the blanks using the appropriate conjunction. Use commas if
necessary.
1. My dad _______ I are going fishing this afternoon.
2. The old man doesn’t have much money _____ he always seems to have nice things.
3. Either we are going to win ______ they are going to win.
4. I don’t have much time _____ hurry up!
5. He wasn’t a popular king _____ all of his country men hated him.
6. I want to get there early ____ we should leave soon.
7. It doesn’t matter whether they get the job ___ not.
8. We don’t like red ____ do I like blue.
9. I ran after the cat _____ could not catch her.
10. We played very well ____ we still lost the game.
Directions: Now practice creating your own sentences using the conjunctions list above.
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are used to join a dependent clause (incomplete thought) to an
independent clause.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
after before once although as
as if
as long as as though because still
even if
even though if
if only in order to now that rather than since so that than that unless until when whenever
where whereas wherever while
Example: I will be able to drive when I get older.
“I will be able to drive”independent clause (complete thought)
“when I get older”dependent clause (incomplete thought)
The subordinating conjunction “when” is used to join the dependent clause to the
independent clause.
Directions: please fill in the blanks using the appropriate conjunction. Use
commas where necessary.
1. He behaves ___ _________ he rules the world.
2. We started moving _____ he took his foot off the brake.
3. I am going to go _____ __ my parents say I can’t.
4. ___________ _____ kill living animals for food, I am going to become a vegetarian. 5. I
waited ________ my mom paid for the groceries.
6. I ran _____________ I was scared.
7. We will go running ______ we tie our shoes.
8. We can eat lunch ___________ you like.
9. ______________ I get happy I smile.
10. I’m not leaving ________ you say you’re sorry.
11. We cannot go skiing __________ we have skis.
12. I turned the key __ _______ __ start the car.
13. I want to go ________ money grows on trees.
14. We got to the scene of the crime right _______ the robbers ran away.
15. ___ we can’t find work here, we’ll have to move to a place ________ we can.
16. __________________ I am only 5’3” tall, I _________ love playing basketball.
17. __________________ you finish eating your vegetables, you may eat cake.
18. ____________ ____ complain about not being able to do the things I want, I will work to
achieve my dreams.
19. ______ ____________ it is cold out, I’m not going to wear my jacket. 20. We will start
work _________ the sun rises.
Directions: Now practice creating your own sentences using the conjunctions
list above.
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________________
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to coordinate two items.
Common Correlative Conjunctions:
Example: Both my sister and I will attend the party.
“my sister” � first item
“I” � second item
The correlative conjunction “Both” is used to coordinate the item “my sister”, while the
correlative conjunction “and” is used to coordinate the item “I”.
Directions: try to fill in the blanks using the appropriate conjunction. Use
commas where necessary.
1. _____ my brother ____ my sister live in China.
2. ____ ______ my dog, ____ _______ my cat are sick.
3. __________ my mother ____ my father were born in this country. 4. __________ I will go
to the store ___ you will.
5. _____ soccer ____ tennis are sports.
6. ____ my car, ____ my truck needs to be repaired.
7. __________ I will come there, ____ you will come here.
8. __________ you ____ your friend are old enough to enter.
Parts of Speech - Pronouns
• Almost all words have a “part of speech”. Which part of speech a word has depends on
how it is used in a sentence. Here is a list of the eight parts of speech:
Pronoun: A pronoun is a word that is used to take the place of a noun. They make sentences
shorter and easier to say.
Example: Jane Renada lives in a haunted house. Example: She lives in a haunted house.
In this example, the word “She” is a pronoun because it takes the place of a person (Jane).
Directions: Underline the pronouns in the following sentences.
1) He is on the telephone.
2) We live in Spain.
3) It is on fire!
4) I am the only student in the class.
5) Tennis is a fun sport. I like to play it.
6) Alice lives on 21st street. She is my best friend. 7) What time is it?
8) Although she lives next door, I rarely see her.
9) My father is an architect. Sometimes, I go to work with him. 10) Are you going to see the
movie?
Directions: Now make your own sentences. Try to use pronouns.
1) _____________________________________________________________________ 2)
_____________________________________________________________________
Demonstrative Pronouns
• A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a proper or common noun. They make
sentences shorter and easier to say.
• A demonstrative pronoun is a word that takes the place of particular objects or
people. Here is a list of common demonstrative pronouns:
Read the conversations below to get an idea about how demonstrative pronouns are used:
Anna: Could you give me that pencil on the table over there?
Li: Do you mean this pencil here?
Anna: Yes, that pencil.
Li: Here you are. Oh, could you give me those pens on the table over there? Anna: These?
Sure, here you are.
Felix: Is there a hammer on that table? Marco: Yes, there is. Here it is.
Felix: Great, are there any nails? Marco: No, there aren't.
Felix: Oh, here they are, next to me on this table.
This: The pronoun “this” is used to refer to a singular object which is near the speaker (or
here).
Example: This is sweet.
In this example, the pronoun “This” takes the place of an object which is near the speaker (or
here).
This particular object may be a strawberry in the hand of the speaker, for example. Example:
Can I please have this?
In this example, the pronoun “This” takes the place of an object which is near the speaker (or
here). The object which the word “This” takes the place of may be a toy in the hand of the
speaker, for example.
Directions: Try to make your own sentence using the pronoun “This”.
• ___________________________________________________________________
That: The pronoun “that” is used to refer to a singular object which is far from the speaker
(or there).
Example: That is small.
In this example, the pronoun “That” takes the place of an object which is far from the
speaker (or there). This particular object may be star in the sky, for example. Example: Is
that him?
this that these those here there
In this example, the pronoun “that” takes the place of an object which is far from the speaker
(or there). The object which the word “that” takes the place of may be a man walking across
the street from the speaker, for example.
Directions: Try to make your own sentence using the pronoun “That”.
• __________________________________________________________________
These: The pronoun “these” is used to refer to more than one object which is near the
speaker (or here).
Example: These are heavy.
In this example, the pronoun “These” takes the place of objects which are near the speaker
(or here). These particular objects may be 20 pound weights in hands of the speaker, for
example.
Example: What are these?
In this example, the pronoun “these” takes the place of objects which are near the speaker
(or here). These particular objects may be diamonds in hands of the speaker, for example.
Directions: Try to make your own sentences using the pronoun “These”.
• __________________________________________________________________
Those: The pronoun “those” is used to refer to more than one object which is far from
the speaker (or there). Example: Those are funny.
In this example, the pronoun “Those” takes the place of an object which is far from the
speaker (or there). These particular objects may be clowns in a circus, for example.
Example: I want three of those.
In this example, the pronoun “those” takes the place of more than one object which is far
from the speaker (or there). The object which the word “those” takes the place of may be
chocolate candies on a store shelf which is far from the speaker, for example.
Directions: Try to make your own sentence using the pronoun “Those”.
• __________________________________________________________________
Here: The pronoun “here” is used to refer to a location near the speaker. Example: Here are
the keys.
In this example, the pronoun “Here” takes the place of a location which is near the speaker.
This particular location may be on a table close to the speaker, for example.
Example: Please come here.
In this example, the pronoun “here” takes the place of location which is near the speaker. The
location which the word “here” takes the place of may be on top of a hill which the speaker is
standing on, for example.
Directions: Try to make your own sentence using the pronoun “Here”.
• __________________________________________________________________
There: The pronoun “there” is used to refer to a location far from the speaker. Example:
There is my car.
In this example, the pronoun “There” takes the place of a location which is far from the
speaker. This particular location may be in the school parking lot, for example.
Example: I want to go there.
In this example, the pronoun “there” takes the place of location which is far from the speaker.
The location which the word “there” takes the place of may be the moon, for example.
Directions: Try to make your own sentence using the pronoun “There”.
• __________________________________________________________________
Directions: Now try to use what you have learned about pronouns to fill in the empty spaces
below.
I went to the grocery store in search of chocolate candies. After looking for awhile, I realized
that _________ were no candies in the places I was looking. So, I decided to ask the manager
of the store where I could find some. I approached the manager and said, “Hi. I’m looking for
some candies. Can you help me?” The manager looked at me and asked, “Well, have you
looked over ________?” he said, pointing to the other end of the store. “No”, I replied. “But I
have looked on ________ aisles here, and I found nothing.” “Oh no!” said the man. “We
don’t sell those candies on these isles ________! We sell chocolate way over ________!”
The manager and I looked at each other and started walking to the opposite end of the store.
Finally, we reached the candy section. “Okay”, the manager said, pointing to the candies on
the shelf. “We have strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla candies. Which kind were you looking
for?” Well, first I wanted some of _________,” I said, pointing to the chocolate candies far
up on the top of the shelf. “But now I think I’ll try some of _________ here”, I said, and
grabbed a handful of vanilla candies. “Thanks for the help” I said, and started walking out the
door. “Hey!” the man yelled. “Are you going to pay for _________!?”
Subjective Pronouns
A pronoun is a word that is used to take the place of a noun. They make sentences
shorter and easier to say.
A personal pronoun is a word that takes the place of names of people or things. Here is
a list of personal pronouns:
Read the conversations below to get an idea about how personal pronouns are used:
Bob: I am tired.
Kenna: Do you want to take a nap? Bob: Yes, that would be nice. Kenna: I will get a pillow
for you. Bob: Thank you.
James: Is my book on the table?
Chang: Yes, it is right here. Do you want it?
James: Yes please.
Chang: No problem. Who is the author of your book? James: Andy Leonard Brown. He is a
very good writer.
I: The pronoun “I” is used to refer to a first-person singular noun.
Example: I am happy.
In this example, the pronoun “I” takes the place of the speaker. Directions: try to make your
own sentences using the pronoun “I”.
1) __________________________________________________________________
2) __________________________________________________________________
We: The pronoun “we” is used to refer to a first-person plural noun.
Example: We are friends.
In this example, the pronoun “We” takes the place of the speaker and one or more other
people.
Directions: try to make your own sentences using the pronoun “We”.
1) __________________________________________________________________
2) __________________________________________________________________
You: The pronoun “you” is used to refer to a second-person singular or plural noun.
Example: I will go with you at noon.
In this example, the pronoun “you” takes the place of one or more other people that the
speaker is referring to directly.
Directions: try to make your own sentences using the pronoun “you”.
1) __________________________________________________________________
2) __________________________________________________________________
He: The pronoun “he” is used to refer to a third-person singular living male noun.
Example: He is my cousin.
In this example, the pronoun “he” takes the place of a single living male that the speaker is
referring to indirectly.
Directions: try to make your own sentences using the pronoun “he”.
3) __________________________________________________________________.
4) __________________________________________________________________
She: The pronoun “she” is used to refer to a third-person singular living female noun.
Example: Does she know what time it is?
In this example, the pronoun “she” takes the place of a single living female that the speaker is
referring to indirectly.
Directions: try to make your own sentences using the pronoun “she”.
5) __________________________________________________________________
6) __________________________________________________________________
It: The pronoun “it” is used to refer to a third-person non-living noun.
Example: Can I take it with me?
In this example, the pronoun “it” takes the place of a single non-living noun.
Directions: try to make your own sentences using the pronoun “it”.
7) __________________________________________________________________
8) __________________________________________________________________
They: The pronoun “they” is used to refer to the third-person plural noun. Example:
They are going to the beach this weekend.
In this example, the pronoun “They” takes the place of one or more living people that the
speaker is referring to indirectly.
Directions: try to make your own sentences using the pronoun “they”.
9) __________________________________________________________________ 10)
__________________________________________________________________
Directions: now try to use what you have learned about pronouns to fill in the empty spaces
below.
__ want to tell ___ a story about my cat Moses. ___ is a female who is six years old. Her fur
is black and white. Everyday, when I come home from work, ___ always comes to greet me
at the door. Then, ____ watch television together. Her favorite show is called “Cats of the
World.” ___ is a show about all of the different kinds of cats in the world. The people who
make the show must be very smart because _____ know everything about cats.
Parts of Speech - Interjections
• Almost all words have a “part of speech”. Which part of speech a word has depends on
how it is used in a sentence. Here is a list of the eight parts of speech:
Interjection: An interjection is a word that expresses a strong feeling or command. They
have no grammatical relation to the rest of the sentence.
Example: Wait! I am not finished.
In this example, the word “Wait” is an interjection because it expresses a command and
has no grammatical relation to the rest of the sentence. Example: Great, I would love to go to
the beach.
In this example, the word “Great” is an interjection because it expresses a strong feeling and
has no grammatical relation to the rest of the sentence.
Directions: Underline the interjections in the following sentences. 1) Whew, that was close.
2) Careful, the tiger is hungry!
3) Yes, I think I will have more tea please.
4) Thanks, I needed that.
5) For example, you could make a model of the city. 6) Wow! That was easy!
Directions: Now make your own sentences. Try to use interjections.
1) _____________________________________________________________________ 2)
_____________________________________________________________________