Is gerund considered a noun? Can we classify it somehow?
What about articles? Which word-class do they belong to?
Are there some other words that don't belong to any word-classes?
(Could you correct the mistakes I made, please?)
Yes, a gerund (often called a verbal) is classified as a noun in the "parts of speech" grammar system.
Articles are classified as "articles" in the 9 parts of speech system. Those who recognize only 8 parts of speech classify articles as adjectives.
The only word that doesn't fit the classification scheme is the "to" in a "to infinitive. Most people call that a "particle". Because that is not part of the parts of speech system, many dictionaries list it under "preposition", but it is clearly not a prepositiion, IMO.
Some people also use "particle" for the preposition or adverb part of phrasal verbs. Perhaps "particle" will become the 10th part of speech.
Last edited by MikeNewYork; 08-Oct-2006 at 16:46.
There are already 9 classes, aren't there?
nouns, adjectives, pronouns, numerals, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, interjections...
What about these words? Where do they belong?
- so, well... (e.g. Well, you should do it.), yes, no...
are they considered particles as well?
Ah! I see... there is no "numeralia" class in English... Numbers five, thirteenth etc. are considered nouns, then?
Does it mean that "yes/no" are adverbs?
What about this sentence? "What did you do?" Is "what" considered an adjective or a pronoun? How can I recognize it?
Could you show it on some examples, please? I can't imagine a number - pronoun...
Yes, "yes" and "no" are normally classified as adverbs. This is probably justified by the words being used to answer questions. They either affirm or negate the statement.
In your question, "what" is a pronoun. Rearranged: You did do what. "What" stands in for the action that was done.
Numbers are used as pronouns quite often.
I am having five for dinner. Five stands in for five people.
It is the 13th of October. 13th stands in for 13th day.
One must follow one's conscious. One stands in for a person.
Hundreds were killed in the crash.
Two's company; three's a crowd.