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An Introductional of Word Classes
An Introductional of Word Classes
Classes
Words are fundamental units in
every sentence
• numerals
• Types of verbs?
• Types of conjunctions?
The term parts of speech refers to an
approach to classification of words
David London
action
• lexical classes
• functional series of words
• It is potentially infinite.
• For example,
generic vs. specific
stative vs. dynamic
assertive vs. nonassertive
Generic & Specific
Generic Examples
• I got a new computer for Christmas.
• I installed the new computer early in the
morning of December 24.
• I now own 3 computers.
• Without Microsoft Excel on my computer, I
would find the process of doing my grades
really frustrating.
• I play the music of Beethoven on my
computers.
Specific Examples
The distinction between generic and specific
meaning is a terrifically important concept
• Actually:
some verbs are just about always used for
stative meanings;
other verbs are just about always used for
dynamic meanings;
but...verbs can be switched from one class
to the other for special purposes.
For example, verbs like taste or smell can
be either actions or states of being: