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3 Dec 2025
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Understanding Word Classes and Their Subclasses for A-Level English
chloé :]
@chloek4therine
1 / 6
Verbs - The Action Words
Every sentence needs a verb, but they're not all about physical action! Mental verbs like 'think', 'believe', and 'wish' show what's happening inside someone's head. These are brilliant for creative writing when you want to explore a character's thoughts.
Verbal verbs are all about communication - 'say', 'shout', 'scream', and 'whisper'. Notice how each one creates a different mood? That's why choosing the right verbal verb can transform your dialogue.
Material verbs are the obvious action words like 'hit', 'jump', 'wash', and 'build'. Relational verbs might seem boring, but they're essential - 'be', 'appear', 'seem', and 'become' help you describe states and changes.
Top Tip: In exam essays, vary your verb types to create more sophisticated analysis and avoid repetitive writing patterns.
Nouns - Naming Everything Around Us
Proper nouns are the easy ones - they're capitalised names like 'James' or 'England'. Always remember that capital letter, even in the middle of sentences!
Abstract nouns represent things you can't physically touch - emotions like 'love' and 'anger', or concepts like 'freedom' and 'justice'. These are goldmines for analytical writing because they help you discuss themes and deeper meanings.
Concrete nouns are the opposite - physical objects like 'cups' and 'furniture' that you can actually see and touch. They're essential for creating vivid descriptions in creative writing.
Quick Check: If you can't physically touch it, it's probably abstract. If you can, it's concrete!
Adjectives & Adverbs - Adding Detail and Comparison
Base adjectives are your starting point - words like 'big', 'interesting', and 'carefully' that modify and describe other words. They're the foundation for creating more complex descriptions.
Comparative adjectives let you compare two things by adding '-er' (bigger, smaller) or 'more' (more interesting). Perfect for analytical writing when you're contrasting characters or themes.
Superlative adjectives go one step further, identifying the ultimate example among three or more things. 'The biggest parcel', 'the most interesting game' - these create emphasis and help you make strong points in essays.
Writing Hack: Don't just pile on adjectives - choose one powerful word instead of three weak ones for maximum impact.
Pronouns - Avoiding Repetition
Personal pronouns replace people's names and change depending on who's speaking. 'I', 'you', 'she', 'they' - mastering these prevents your writing from sounding repetitive and clunky.
Demonstrative pronouns point things out - 'this', 'these', 'that', 'those'. They're brilliant for creating connections between ideas in your writing and helping readers follow your arguments.
Indefinite pronouns are wonderfully vague - 'somebody', 'anybody', 'anything'. Use them when you want to create mystery in creative writing or discuss general concepts in essays.
Grammar Alert: Make sure your pronouns clearly refer back to the right noun, or your reader will get confused about who did what!
Determiners - Setting the Scene
Articles might seem simple, but they're powerful. 'The' (definite) tells readers you're talking about something specific, while 'a' and 'an' (indefinite) introduce something new or general.
Possessives show ownership clearly - 'my', 'your', 'her', 'our'. They're essential for avoiding confusion about who owns what, especially in analytical writing about different characters.
Quantifiers give you precision with numbers and amounts. Specific ones like 'one' and 'two' create clarity, while non-specific ones like 'some', 'any', and 'a few' are more flexible and conversational.
Style Tip: Mix specific and non-specific quantifiers to create varied, natural-sounding sentences that keep readers engaged.
Conjunctions - Connecting Your Ideas
Wait - the definitions here seem mixed up in your notes! Let me clarify: coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but', 'or', and 'yet' link equal parts of sentences together.
Subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'although', 'while', and 'for' create more complex sentences by showing that one clause depends on another for complete meaning.
Mastering conjunctions transforms your writing from simple, choppy sentences into flowing, sophisticated prose. They're particularly crucial for analytical essays where you need to show relationships between ideas.
Exam Success: Use subordinating conjunctions to create complex sentences that demonstrate higher-level thinking and earn you better marks.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Word Classes and Their Subclasses for A-Level English
chloé :]
@chloek4therine
Word classes (also called parts of speech) are the building blocks of every sentence you write. Understanding how different types of words function will massively improve your writing skills and help you analyse texts more effectively in your English exams.
Verbs - The Action Words
Every sentence needs a verb, but they're not all about physical action! Mental verbs like 'think', 'believe', and 'wish' show what's happening inside someone's head. These are brilliant for creative writing when you want to explore a character's thoughts.
Verbal verbs are all about communication - 'say', 'shout', 'scream', and 'whisper'. Notice how each one creates a different mood? That's why choosing the right verbal verb can transform your dialogue.
Material verbs are the obvious action words like 'hit', 'jump', 'wash', and 'build'. Relational verbs might seem boring, but they're essential - 'be', 'appear', 'seem', and 'become' help you describe states and changes.
Top Tip: In exam essays, vary your verb types to create more sophisticated analysis and avoid repetitive writing patterns.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Nouns - Naming Everything Around Us
Proper nouns are the easy ones - they're capitalised names like 'James' or 'England'. Always remember that capital letter, even in the middle of sentences!
Abstract nouns represent things you can't physically touch - emotions like 'love' and 'anger', or concepts like 'freedom' and 'justice'. These are goldmines for analytical writing because they help you discuss themes and deeper meanings.
Concrete nouns are the opposite - physical objects like 'cups' and 'furniture' that you can actually see and touch. They're essential for creating vivid descriptions in creative writing.
Quick Check: If you can't physically touch it, it's probably abstract. If you can, it's concrete!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Adjectives & Adverbs - Adding Detail and Comparison
Base adjectives are your starting point - words like 'big', 'interesting', and 'carefully' that modify and describe other words. They're the foundation for creating more complex descriptions.
Comparative adjectives let you compare two things by adding '-er' (bigger, smaller) or 'more' (more interesting). Perfect for analytical writing when you're contrasting characters or themes.
Superlative adjectives go one step further, identifying the ultimate example among three or more things. 'The biggest parcel', 'the most interesting game' - these create emphasis and help you make strong points in essays.
Writing Hack: Don't just pile on adjectives - choose one powerful word instead of three weak ones for maximum impact.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Pronouns - Avoiding Repetition
Personal pronouns replace people's names and change depending on who's speaking. 'I', 'you', 'she', 'they' - mastering these prevents your writing from sounding repetitive and clunky.
Demonstrative pronouns point things out - 'this', 'these', 'that', 'those'. They're brilliant for creating connections between ideas in your writing and helping readers follow your arguments.
Indefinite pronouns are wonderfully vague - 'somebody', 'anybody', 'anything'. Use them when you want to create mystery in creative writing or discuss general concepts in essays.
Grammar Alert: Make sure your pronouns clearly refer back to the right noun, or your reader will get confused about who did what!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Determiners - Setting the Scene
Articles might seem simple, but they're powerful. 'The' (definite) tells readers you're talking about something specific, while 'a' and 'an' (indefinite) introduce something new or general.
Possessives show ownership clearly - 'my', 'your', 'her', 'our'. They're essential for avoiding confusion about who owns what, especially in analytical writing about different characters.
Quantifiers give you precision with numbers and amounts. Specific ones like 'one' and 'two' create clarity, while non-specific ones like 'some', 'any', and 'a few' are more flexible and conversational.
Style Tip: Mix specific and non-specific quantifiers to create varied, natural-sounding sentences that keep readers engaged.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Conjunctions - Connecting Your Ideas
Wait - the definitions here seem mixed up in your notes! Let me clarify: coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but', 'or', and 'yet' link equal parts of sentences together.
Subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'although', 'while', and 'for' create more complex sentences by showing that one clause depends on another for complete meaning.
Mastering conjunctions transforms your writing from simple, choppy sentences into flowing, sophisticated prose. They're particularly crucial for analytical essays where you need to show relationships between ideas.
Exam Success: Use subordinating conjunctions to create complex sentences that demonstrate higher-level thinking and earn you better marks.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user