3 Parts of Speech: Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections

Parts of speech are categories of words based on how the words are used in a sentence. Some words can fit into multiple categories. Prepositions show the position or relationship between a noun and another word (i.e. over, from, in spite of). Conjunctions connect words or phrases (i.e.. and, yet, but, or, neither/nor). Interjections interrupt and show strong feeling (Yikes!, Snap!, Wow!).

Prepositions

A preposition is a "linguistic form that combines with a noun, pronoun, or noun equivalent to form an adjectival or adverbial phrase". Prepositions show time, direction, course, and position. Prepositional phrases are groups of words starting with prepositions and usually ending with a noun or pronoun. It can function as an adjective or adverb. An adjective prepositional phrase modifies only a noun or pronoun. An adverb prepositional phrase usually modifies a verb and may tell where, how, or when an action takes place. A sentence may have more than one prepositional phrase. The noun or pronoun used as the object of the preposition follows the preposition or prepositional phrase. Some introductory phrases begin with a preposition. The following is a partial list of prepositions: aboard, alongside, away from, behind, besides, considering, despite, down from, except for, from among, between, from under, in addition to, in front of, in place of, in regard to, inside, instead, on account of, on behalf of, outside, over to, regarding, underneath, and within.

Conjunctions

Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or sentences. They are used to combine subjects, predicates, or two related sentences. Coordinating conjunctions organize the connection between two independent clauses. And, but, or, nor, and for are coordinating conjunctions. Subordinating conjunctions show connection between a subordinating clause and the rest of the sentence. As, when, because, since, unless, and before can be used as subordinating conjunctions.

Interjections

Interjections show strong feeling and are sometimes short phrases. An interjection begins with a capital letter, ends in an exclamation point, and is separate from a sentence. An interjection is a part of speech that is interjected or interrupts. Mild interjections are used to show mild feeling and do not require an exclamation point, such as Oh crap, I lost my keys. The following is a partial list of interjections: Ouch!, Oh!, Aha!, Great!, Well!, Oh no!, Yes!, No!, Hurrah!, Please!, Watch out!, Of course!, Not on your life!, Alright!, and Awesome! Heavens!, Dear me!, Alas!, Ouch!, phooey!, and Ugh!.

Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary
Writer's Guide Notebook