Verbs, Adjectives and Nouns

Let’s find out what verbs, adjectives and nouns are.

Understanding verbs, adjectives, and nouns is a great first step in improving your English. These three types of words are used all the time in everyday conversations, writing, and reading. Knowing how they work will help you build better sentences and express yourself more clearly.

In this lesson, we’ll look at simple definitions and examples to help you recognise each one. Then, you’ll get a chance to test your understanding with a little quiz at the end.

What is a noun?

Noun: a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance or quality e.g.’nurse’, ‘cat’, ‘party’, ‘oil’ and ‘poverty’.

My sister is a pilot.

The weather is lovely today.

Where is my pen?

What is a verb?

Verb: a word or phrase that describes an action, condition or experience e.g. ‘run’, ‘look’ and ‘feel’.

She plays golf on the weekend.

Open the window, it’s hot in here.

They swam in the river this morning.

What is an adjective?

Adjective: a word that describes a noun e.g. ‘big’, ‘boring’, ‘pink’, ‘quick’ and ‘obvious’.

It’s an interesting movie.

He’s wearing a blue hat.

The music is too loud!

Now let’s test your knowledge! Take a look at the words below. Can you decide if each one is a noun, verb or adjective?

1. jump
2. beautiful
3. happiness
4. swim
5. teacher
6. exciting
7. travel
8. soft
9. freedom
10. cry

How did you do?

Now that you know the basic meaning of nouns, verbs, and adjectives, you’re one step closer to building stronger English sentences. Try and find examples of nouns, verbs and adjectives in books, conversations or even your favourite songs and movies. The more you notice them, the easier it becomes to use them correctly.