Lecture 5 - Closed Word Classes Flashcards

Closed Word Classes Overview

• Four main closed word classes: pronouns, determiners, conjunctions, and prepositions.
• Closed word classes are small groups that do not frequently change.

Pronouns

• Serve as substitutes for nouns and noun phrases.
• Can be categorized as singular or plural.
• Pronouns vary based on their function as subjects or objects in sentences (e.g., "She did it for her").
• Indefinite pronouns indicate less specific entities, such as "some," "any," and "enough."
• Pronoun conventions recommend first mentioning the noun before substituting with a pronoun.
• New pronouns emerging include plural "they" and terms like "zee/zir."

Determiners

• Indicate the number and specificity of nouns, typically one per noun.
• There are six main types of determiners, with an optional seventh type for possessives.
• Types of determiners include articles, possessives, demonstratives, quantifiers, wh- question words, and numbers.
• Articles ("a," "an," "the") identify the specific noun being referred to.
• Demonstratives ("this," "that," "these," "those") are used with nouns to specify which entity is being discussed.
• Quantifiers express the amount related to the noun (e.g., "He ate all of the cake").
• Possessive determiners (e.g., "their," "your," "his") precede nouns, distinct from possessive pronouns.

Conjunctions

• Function to connect words and phrases, and are typically followed by a comma.
• Types include coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
• The acronym FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) represents coordinating conjunctions.
• Coordinating conjunctions join equal elements.
• Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to a main clause (e.g., "because," "when," "after," "while," "that").

Prepositions

• Illustrate relationships between sentence elements, often indicating time or place.
• Examples include "after," "above," "for," "during," and "while."
• Place prepositions can be categorized as either concrete or abstract.

Discover the essential elements of closed word classes in this informative flashcard quiz. Focus on pronouns, determiners, conjunctions, and prepositions along with their definitions and functionalities. Perfect for students seeking to enhance their understanding of these grammatical structures.