Here is a list of some of the most important words which belong to different parts of speech. Note that it is the function or use which determines which part of speech a particular word belongs to.
About
About can be used as an adverb or a preposition. As an adverb, about modifies the verb. As a preposition, it connects a noun or pronoun with some other word in the sentence. Study the examples given below.
They wandered about the town. (Here the word about modifies the verb wandered and hence it acts as an adverb.)
There was something affable about him. (Preposition)
Above
The word above can be used as an adverb, a preposition, an adjective or a noun.
Study the examples given below.
The heavens are above. (Adverb)
The moral code of conduct is above the civil code of conduct. (Preposition)
Read the sentence given above. (Adjective)
Our blessings come from above. (Noun)
After
The word after can be used as an adverb, a preposition, an adjective and a conjunction.
He left soon after. (Adverb)
She takes after her mother. (Preposition)
I went to bed after I had dinner. (Conjunction)
All
All children need love. (Adjective)
She lives all alone in a small hut. (Adverb)
She lost all she owned. (Noun)
Any
Have you got any pens? (Adjective)
Is he any better? (Adverb)
‘Did you get any strawberries?’ ‘There wasn’t any left.’ (Pronoun)
As
We walked as fast as we could. (Adverb)
As he was late, we went without him. (Conjunction)
She likes the same color as I do. (Relative pronoun)
