This document defines and provides examples of the main parts of speech: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and prepositions. Nouns name people, places, things, or ideas. Proper nouns specifically name people, places, or things. Common nouns name everyday objects. Verbs indicate actions. Adjectives describe nouns. Pronouns are used in place of nouns. Prepositions show relationships between nouns and other words in a sentence, such as behind, below, or during.