不同单词的类别称之为词类(Parts of Speech),自古以来,印欧语系的语言都是裾这些词类进行分析的。
(a)封闭类(CLOSED CLASSES)
介词:of, at, in, without, in spite of
代词:he, anybody, they, one, which
限定词:the, a, that, every, some
词:and, that, when, although
情态动词:can, must, will, could
基本动词:be, have, do
(b)开放类(OPEN CLASSES)
名词:John, room, answer, play
形容词:happy steady, new, large, round
全义动词:search, grow, play
副词:steadily, completely7 really
(c)补类
数词:one, two, three, first, second, third
感叹词:oh, ah, ugh
最后,还有几个具有独特功的词not(否定小品词)