Major parts of speech: Difference between revisions

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* the word classes are defined by operational tests (we use semantic, morphological and syntactic criteria since it is impossible to give a complete list)
* the word classes are defined by operational tests (we use semantic, morphological and syntactic criteria since it is impossible to give a complete list)


''These properties contrast with those of the [[Minor_Parts_of_Speech|minor parts of speech]].''
''These properties contrast with those of the [[Minor_parts_of_speech|minor parts of speech]].''


Major parts of speech in English:
Major parts of speech in English:

Revision as of 18:09, 10 April 2017

General characteristics:

  • ostentive definition of the word's meaning is possible (i.e. definition by pointing at the object/ the activity)
  • the meaning is lexical, i.e. there is a referent in the world; we also call these words content words.
  • diachronically, the words emerge and disappear fast (If there are new inventions or items/ activities go out of use)
  • open word classes (i.e. words can be added to these classes)
  • the word classes are defined by operational tests (we use semantic, morphological and syntactic criteria since it is impossible to give a complete list)

These properties contrast with those of the minor parts of speech.

Major parts of speech in English:

1. Nouns
2. Verbs
3. Adjectives
4. Adverbs
5. Prepositions