GE ELEC 03 - PHILIPPINE POPULAR CULTURE
everyday conversations. Depending on their
Core Concepts
 Hospitality
 Hiya
 Modesty
 Courtesy
 Warmth
 Respect
 Kapwa
 Fatalism
Located between the South China Sea and
Philippine Sea, the Republic of the Philippines
contains a diverse set of landscapes, languages and
cultures. Various countries – such as Spain, China
and the United States – have interacted with and
impacted Filipino culture. A sense of national
identity and pride emerged out of struggles for
Philippine independence. However, loyalties
remain foremost with one’s family and place of
birth. Key values such fellowship, respect and
acceptance are found throughout the culture, with
many Filipinos displaying a warming and hospitable
demeanour.
Geographic and Linguistic Diversity
The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, of
which approximately 2,000 are inhabited. The
islands are categorized into three main clusters –
namely Luzon in the north, Visayas in the center
and Mindanao in the south. The island clusters vary
in terms of cuisine, languages and culture. One of
the main distinctions is in respect to religion. The
population in the northern islands generally
identify as Christian while it is much more common
to find those who identify as Muslim in the
southern parts of the Philippines.
The country is also linguistically diverse, with eight
major dialects and over 170 languages spoken
throughout the inhabited islands. The official
language of the Philippines is Filipino, which is
mainly Tagalog (the dialect from central and
southern Luzon) combined with words from
various other languages. For example, English is
widely spoken throughout the Philippines, and it is
common to hear Filipinos use a mixture of English
and Tagalog (known informally as ‘Taglish’) in
location, Filipinos may not speak the national
language. As a way to retain their local identities,
many Filipinos will often choose to speak in their
regional languages and dialects. Indeed, it is
common to find Filipinos who are from different
parts of the Philippines conversing in English rather
than in Filipino.
National and Local Identity
Given the diversity of the Philippines, the unifying
element of Filipino culture is a complex matter. A
sense of national identity emerged out of the long-
standing struggle for independence. In
contemporary Philippines, many Filipinos are
acutely aware of the colonial history of their
country. For example, José Rizal, a national hero in
the struggle for Philippine independence, is a
highly revered and well-known figure whom many
Filipinos look up to as a role model of a virtuous
person.
However, the sense of a national identity is fragile,
with loyalty residing firstly to their kin group,
province or municipality. The Philippines is a
collectivist society and individuals tend to
understand themselves as a part of a group. For
Filipinos, the interests of the collective often
override the interests of the individual. Filipinos
generally feel a strong sense of pride towards their
group and will celebrate their pride through
sharing stories or facts about their family, barangay
(village) or town.
The long history of contact with Spain and the
United States continues to have a significant
impact on the Filipino identity. One example is the
influence of American standards of beauty, which
are often measured in the Philippines by the
possession of Western physical traits – such as fair
skin and curly hair. Another example is the
prominence of Christian ideology since the
introduction of Christianity by the Spanish. Indeed,
when compared to other countries on the Asian
continent, the Philippines has one of the highest
Christian populations.
 Filipinos are usually very warm and friendly people
who enjoy conversing with those around them. It is
Social Interactions and ‘Hiya’
common to find strangers engaging in conversation
Social hierarchy in the Philippines is determined or sharing stories to family, friends or foreigners
according to age and social status. Nearly all about their hometown, family or country. Filipinos
Filipinos are taught from an early age about the are often expressive and sentimental while
importance of the underpinning social hierarchy. maintaining a light-hearted demeanour. For
Gestures, terms of address and communication example, the word ‘hugot’ (‘to pull out’) is often
styles vary depending on who one interacts with used to describe someone drawing out deep
and their relative positions in the social hierarchy. sentimental memories or experiences. Indeed,
For example, it is expected that, if you are referring Filipinos are often willing to share stories of their
to someone who is older than you but within the past that may be considered personal.
same generation, you use the terms kuya for males
Alongside their warming and light-hearted
and ate for females (for example, ‘Ate Jess’). Failing
demeanour, the general approach to life is of
to do so is considered highly disrespectful and a
acceptance. ‘Bahala na’ (come what may) captures
lack of acknowledgment of the established
the strong belief among many Filipinos that
hierarchy.
whatever may happen is a part of God’s will. Any
individual or group success is often attributed to
fate or God rather than efforts. This indicates a
Kapwa (fellowship or togetherness) is a core value fatalistic attitude throughout society whereby
that explains Filipinos’ interpersonal behavior. The Filipinos are generally accepting of theirs and
term generally refers to a shared identity whereby others circumstances. However, this does not
people bond together despite differences in wealth mean Filipinos are passive. Rather, they are
or social status. Kapwa is related to the hardworking and will often do their best to help
collectivistic nature of Filipino society. It is believed themselves and their family.
that what is good for one person will be good for
the collective and ought to be shared with fellow
people. Being branded as not having any kapwa is
an insult as it implies that the person does not
belong to a community.
The concept of ‘hiya’ is also one of the
underpinning factors influencing how Filipinos
behave and interact with others. While hiya
translates roughly into English as ‘shame’ or
‘embarrassment’, on a deeper level it refers to
one’s sense of self, propriety and respect. Filipinos
may be more motivated to succeed by a fear of
shame rather than fear of failing the task at hand.
To avoid experiencing shame, they may try to give
face to those around them through complimenting
them and avoiding direct criticism. Individuals will
often try to be generous and hospitable to avoid
hiya and to maintain kapwa.

Warmth and Acceptance


GE ELEC 03 - PHILIPPINE POPULAR CULTURE
Mga Kaugalian ng mga Pilipino Noon at Ngayon
Kilala ang mga Pilipino dahil sa magagandang
katangian ng mga ito. Alamin ang iba’t ibang
kaugalian at tradisyon ng mga Pilipino. Narito ang
kaugalian ng mga Pilipino na dapat mong malaman.
1. Bayanihan
2. Pagtawag Ng “Ate” At “Kuya” Sa
Nakatatandang Kapatid
3. Panghaharana
4. Malugod Na Pagtanggap Sa Bisita
5. Paggalang Sa Matatanda
6. Pagmamano
7. Pagsasabi Ng “Po” At “Opo”
8. Pamamanhikan
9. Pakikisama
10. Palabra De Honor
11. Malapit Sa Pamilya
12. Pagdarasal Bago Kumain
13. Pagsasabit ng kabaong sa gilid ng bundok
14. Madasalin
15. Hindi pagpapakita ng lalaki sa babae bago
ang kasal
16. Fixed Marriage
17. Pagpapakasal sa murang edad
1. Bayanihan - Bayanihan kaugalian ng mga
pilipino
Isa sa magandang mga kaugalian ng Pilipino na
talagang ipinagmamalaki ng mga Pinoy ay ang
bayanihan. Ito ay ang sama-samang pagtutulungan
ng taumbayan sa mga nangangailangan. Isang
simpleng halimbawa na lang ay ang paglilipat-
bahay kung saan nagtutulungan ang mga
kapitbahay na magbuhat ng mga gamit. Hanggang
ngayon ay buhay na buhay pa rin iton tradisyon ng
mga Pilipino. Dito mo makikita ang pagpapahalaga
sa kulturang Pilipino ng mga Pinoy.
2. Pagtawag Ng “Ate” At “Kuya” Sa
Nakatatandang Kapatid - Siblings Filipino
Kaugalian Ng Mga Pilipino
Likas sa kulturang Pilipino ang pagiging magalang.
Kung sa ibang bansa ay sa pangalan lang tinatawag
ng mga bata ang mga nakatatanda nilang kapatid,
dito sa Pilipinas, ang tawag sa kapatid na
matandang babae ay “ate” habang “kuya” naman
ang tawag sa kapatid na matandang lalaki. Simbolo
ito ng respeto sa mga nakatatandang kapatid. Isa
ito sa mga ipinagmamalaking tradisyon ng mga
Pilipino. At isa rin ito sa magagandang katangian ng
mga Pinoy na nagpakilala sa kanila sa mundo.
3. Panghaharana - Harana Kaugalian Ng Mga
Pilipino
Isa pang tradisyong nakaukit sa kulturang Pilipino
ay ang panghaharana. Karaniwan itong ginagawa
ng lalaki para sa kaniyang nililigawan pero ngayon,
ginagawa na rin ito sa panunuyo at
pakikipagbalikan sa mga magkasintahang
nagkalabuan. Ginagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng
pagkanta ng lalaki sa babaeng kaniyang sinusuyo.
Puwede itong gawin nang may tugtog o acapella.
Kaya kung naghahanap ka kung ano ang kaugalian
ng mga Pilipino para sa mga romantiko, harana ang
sagot d’yan. Bagamat hindi na kasing dalas gaya ng
dati ang panghaharana, nananatili pa rin ang
tradisyon na ito pero ginagawa sa pamamagitan ng
makabagong teknolohiya. Sa pangkalahatan, ang
harana ang isa sa mga natatanging bahagi ng
kultura ng mga Pilipino.
4. Malugod Na Pagtanggap Sa Bisita - Filipino Kids
with A Foreigner Kaugalian Ng Mga Pilipino
Gustung-gusto ng mga banyagang bumibisita sa
Pilipinas ang magandang asal ng mga Pilipino gaya
ng malugod na pagtanggap sa bisita. Sa katunayan
nga, kilalang isa sa pinaka hospitable locals ang
mga Pilipino. Dahil dito, talagang binabalik-balikan
ng mga banyaga ang Pilipinas. Ang malugod na
pagtanggap sa bisita ay isa sa mga kaugalian ng
Pilipino na ipinagmamalaki. Hindi lang ito simbolo
ng magandang asal at katangian kundi maging ang
maganda at mayamang kulturang Pilipino.
5. Paggalang Sa Matatanda
Lubos na magalang ang mga Pilipino, mapa-
matanda man o bata, kahit sino pa ang kausap,
magalang ang pananalita ng mga lokal. Ilan sa mga
tanda ng paggalang sa matatanda ay ang
pagmamano, pagsasabi ng “po” at “opo”,
pagtulong sa kapwa, at marami pang iba.
Importante ito sa mga Pinoy kaya ang paggalang sa
kapwa ay isa sa mga pinapahalagahang kaugalian
ng mga Pilipino
6. Pagmamano
Isa pa sa mga kaugalian ng mga Pilipino na
hanggang ayon ay hindi pa rin nawawala ay ang
pagmamano. Tinutukoy nito ang pagkuha sa kamay
ng nakatatanda at ilalapat ito sa noo ng
nagmamano, sabay sasabihing “mano po.” Madalas
itong isinasagawa bilang pagbati sa pagdating o
bago umalis. Bata pa lang ay tinuturuan na ng
matatanda ang mga bata para isabuhay ang
ganitong kultura ng Pilipinas.
7. Pagsasabi Ng “Po” At “Opo”
Malaking bahagi ng kulturang Pilipino ang
pagsasabi ng “po” at “opo.” Isa ito sa mga
kaugalian ng mga Pilipino na tanda ng pagrespeto
sa mga nakatatanda. Karaniwan itong sinasabi sa
mga nakatatanda o sa mga hindi kakilala bilang
paggalang. Ito marahil ang pinakasikat na tradisyon
ng mga Pilipino
8. Pamamanhikan
Isa ring mahalagang bahagi ng kulturang Pilipino ay
ang pamamanhikan. Isinasagawa ang
pamamanhikan kapag ang isang babae at lalaki ay
nagkasundong magpakasal. Pormal na hinihingi ng
lalaki ang kamay ng kaniyang nobya sa harap ng
kanilang mga magulang at iba pang malalapit na
kaanak o kaibigan. Pagkatapos nito ay may salo-
salo at sa hapag pinag-uusapan ang detalye ng
kasal. Bagamat moderno na ang panahon ngayon,
isa ito sa nananatili pa ring mga kaugalian ng mga
Pilipino.
9. Pakikisama
Maraming magagandang mga katangian ang mga
Pilipino at isa na rito ang pakikisama. Ang
pakikisama ay isa sa 10 kaugalian ng mga Pilipino
na hanggang ngayon ay buhay pa rin. Ginagawa ito
sa pagnanais na magkaroon ng maganda at
mabuting pakikitungo sa iba. Ito ang isa mga
magagandang halimbawa ng kultura sa Pilipinas.
10. Palabra De Honor
Isa pa sa 10 kaugalian ng mga Pilipino na
pinahahalagahan pa rin hanggang ngayon ay ang
Palabra de Honor. Ang ibig sabihin nito ay
kailangang tuparin ang iyong ipinangako. Kapag
ikaw ay sinabihang may Palabra de Honor, ibig
sabihin ay “may isang salita” ka.
11. Malapit Sa Pamilya
Sa listahan kung ano ang mga kaugalian ng mga
Pilipino, ang pagiging malapit sa pamilya ay
talagang importante sa Pilipinas. Tanda ito ng
magandang samahan ng pamilya. Dahil sa
halimbawa ng kultura na ito, maraming banyaga
ang bumibilib sa mga Pinoy.
12. Pagdarasal Bago Kumain
Bago kumain, nakagawian na ng mga Pilipino ang
pagdarasal. Dito ay nagpapasalamat sila sa mga
pagkaing nakahain, ang pagsasama-sama nila, at
iba pang mga biyayang natanggap nila. Likas kasing
relihiyoso ang mga Pilipino kaya isa ito sa
magagandang halimbawa ng kultura sa bansa.
13. Pagsasabit Ng Kabaong Sa Gilid Ng Bundok
Kapag sinabing Sagada, unang maiisip bukod sa sea
of clouds ay ang mga kabaong na nakasabit sa
bangin. Isa ito sa mga kaugalian ng mga taga Luzon,
lalo ng mga taga-Sagada. Sinasabit nila ang kabong
sa gilid ng bundok o sa isang lugar kung saan mas
mataas, taliwas sa kaugalian ng mga Pilipino na
inililibing sa lupa ang namayapa. Isa ito sa mga
kakaiba at katangi-tanging tradisyon na bahagi ng
kultura ng Pilipinas
14. Madasalin
Ang pagiging madasalin ay isa sa mga kaugalian ng
mga Pilipino na kanilang ipinagmamalaki. Hindi
lang ito kaugalian ng mga taga Luzon kundi ito rin
ay kaugalian ng mga taga Mindanao. Iba-iba ang
relihiyon sa Pilipinas pero kahit ganito ay sadyang
madasalin talaga ang mga Pilipino.
15. Hindi Pagpapakita Ng Lalaki Sa Babae Bago
Ang Kasal
Ang hindi pagpapakita ng lalaki sa babae bago ang
kasal ay kaugalian ng mga taga Mindanao at
maging ng mga taga ibang rehiyon. Paniniwala kasi
ng mga Pilipino, malas daw kapag nagkita ang
magsing-irog bago ang kanilang kasal.
16. Fixed Marriage
Kung akala niyo ay sa ibang bansa lang uso ang
fixed marriage o ang pagpapakasal dahil sa isang
kasunduan, isa rin ito sa mga nakagawian ng
Pilipino. Noong unang panahon pa lang ay
kaugalian ng mga taga Mindanao na ito at ng ibang
mga tribu sa bansa pero hanggang ngayon ay
isinasagawa pa rin ito.
17. Pagpapakasal Sa Murang Edad
Kung ang ibang magulang ay pinipigilan ang
kanilang mga anak na magpakasal sa murang edad,
sa ilang tribu sa bansa ay pinapayagan ito. Sa
katunayan nga, may ilang edad 13 anyos na babae
pa lang ay ipinakakasal na.

GE ELEC 03 - PHILIPPINE POPULAR CULTURE
Why Is Culture Important? Impact on People &
Society
Why is culture important and what is it? Culture is
a composite of several factors. A community shares
a main culture, and there can be sub-cultures
within the main culture. The main culture is what
makes a group of diverse sub-cultures cohesive. It
can be compared to religions that believe in God,
but have different doctrines and beliefs about God,
but the overall commonality is the belief in God.
Why Is Culture Important?
Culture is a reflection of a community or nation.
This makes culture a vital and important
determining factor of how the community reacts,
responds, and grows. Culture plays a major role in
the lives of everyone in the society. Culture gives
you a sense of belonging, especially when everyone
speaks the same language. Language evolves with
the culture as an intimate product of the way those
within the society communicate.
CULTURE PROVIDES STABILITY
It provides stability that, in turn, gives you a feeling
of security and safety. For most people, culture
provides them with the same emotional response
as they have for their family. Strangers have an
instant connection when they are part of the same
culture. Culture provides a continuity between
cities, states, and regions.
CULTURE CAN NURTURE
In the right kind of culture, people feel nurtured
and even loved. They share the same history and
ideologies as those within their community, and
this gives everything unity. It ties them to their
ancestry and provides a sensation of longevity
which gives them a feeling of truth and living an
authentic life.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF SOME CULTURES
Culture nuances are far-reaching and can
overshadow individual beliefs and ideologies.
That's because culture sets up certain expectations
for how members of the culture should act.
CULTURAL SHAMING AND INGROWN CULTURES
Cultures that don't embrace diversity by accepting
other cultures into their fold become ingrown. In
some more extreme cases when the culture
becomes too ingrown, its reach develops into a
groupthink mentality. In this extreme form of
culture, anyone who doesn't toe the cultural line is
viewed in a negative way. In fact, the person will be
ostracized and shamed into conforming to the
culture's precepts.
CULTURAL STAGNATION IS HARMFUL
This type of culture derives its power through
control of the community. In most instances of
groupthink cultures, there are a handful of people
steering the culture in their desired direction. At
other times, strong cultural edicts simply morph as
a result of strict cultural practices. These practices
may become stagnant instead of continuously
evolving and changing the way most healthy
cultures do.
CULTURAL CONTROL OF COMMUNITY
In strict instances of controlling cultures, the
biggest threat is the stifling of individuality. When a
person is forced to fall in line with strict cultural
mandates, they don't develop discernment or
critical thinking. What they think, what they do,
how they move through life is all dictated and
controlled by the culture they grow up in or choose
to become part of as an adult. Cults often evolve
from this kind of repressive cultures.
HOW DO CULTURES CONTROL THEIR
COMMUNITIES?
The use of peer pressure is an effective tool for
controlling a community within a culture. Those
who support the culture expect others within their
community to fall in line and support their cultural
values. If peer pressure fails to work, then shaming
tactics are employed. If those efforts fail to force
the person to act according to their cultural norms
then more extreme measures are taken, such as
character assassination or worse, persecution.
CULTURE'S INFLUENCE OVER LIVES
It's undeniable that your culture influences who
you are, your perspective about life and the world
at large, and your values. Even your sense of
humanity and how you relate to other people are
influence by your culture. This type of influence can
result in what is commonly called a cultural gap.
HOW TO BRIDGE CULTURAL GAPS
It's through intentional understanding and
acceptance of different cultures that cultural gaps
can be bridged. It takes a willingness and desire to
understand different cultures. Communities that
make such efforts show an appreciation for
diversity and view cultural differences as a gateway
for building and growing their own community.
INCLUSION IS VITAL
Including people from other cultures into their
community provides new insights and appreciation
of different, diverse groups. They may gain a new
perspective of the world at large.
RECOGNIZING SHARED VALUES
When a society values cultures different from their
own, they allow themselves to grow and realize
there are other ways of doing things. They are able
to grow as individuals and reach beyond their own
safety nets to experience new ideas, cuisines and
various expression of individuality and cultures
through religions, music, fashion, and art.
DIVERSITY CAN INSPIRE GREATER SELF-
EXPRESSION
Diversity can inspire you to find a new way of self-
expression. An artist may be inspired by the art of
another culture, or discover that a certain aspect of
the new culture challenges what they thought they
understand about life in general
HEALTHY CULTURES EXPAND AND GROW
A healthy culture learns to adapt to changes. It can
expand and grow without feeling its own core
values are threatened. The healthy community may
even adopt some parts of a new culture. These
new cultural aspects can strengthen the existing
ethos and add to its own richness and diversity.
This kind of growing and advancing culture can
better support its members. It can provide a more
stable and nurturing framework for the
community, but more importantly, the individuals
within the culture.
CULTURAL CLASHES
It's easy to understand how different cultures can
clash. When two cultures don't share the same
philosophies or values, it is difficult to find common
ground. However, it is through respect and open
communication that common ground can be found
to provide a platform for building a bigger and
better community.
CONNECTION BETWEEN ECONOMIES AND
CULTURES
The culture is the driving force behind a
community's economy. The culture provides
individuals with specific goals, such as creation and
building. The more diverse a culture is, the more
economic opportunities and wealth it can have.
That's because the pool of skills and knowledge are
widened and become deeper and more complex.
There is a greater wellspring of creativity that
economic opportunities follow.
Why Is Culture Important to a Society?
A healthy prosperous culture is a positive reflection
of a diverse community. Culture is vital to the
growth and economic progress of society.

ENGLISH 02 – ENGLISH ENHANCEMENT COURSE
Subject–Verb Agreement Rules
Key: subject = yellow, bold; verb = orange,
underline
Subjects and verbs must agree in number. In
addition to the explanations on this page, also see
the post on Subject—Verb Agreement.
1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be
singular too.
Example: She writes every day.
Exception: When using the singular "they," use
plural verb forms.
Example: The participant expressed satisfaction
with their job. They are currently in a managerial
role at the organization.
2. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be
plural.
Example: They write every day.
Sometimes, however, it seems a bit more
complicated than this.
3. When the subject of the sentence is composed
of two or more nouns or pronouns connected
by and, use a plural verb.
Example: The doctoral student and the committee
members write every day.
Example: The percentage of employees who called
in sick and the number of employees who left their
jobs within 2 years are reflective of the level of job
satisfaction.
4. When there is one subject and more than one
verb, the verbs throughout the sentence must
agree with the subject.
Example: Interviews are one way to collect data
and allow researchers to gain an in-depth
understanding of participants.
Example: An assumption is something that is
generally accepted as true and is an important
consideration when conducting a doctoral study.
5. When a phrase comes between the subject
and the verb, remember that the verb still
agrees with the subject, not the noun or
pronoun in the phrase following the subject of
the sentence.
Example: The student, as well as the committee
members, is excited.
Example: The student with all the master’s degrees
is very motivated.
Example: Strategies that the teacher uses to
encourage classroom participation include using
small groups and clarifying expectations.
Example: The focus of the interviews was nine
purposively selected participants.
6. When two or more singular nouns or
pronouns are connected by "or" or "nor," use
a singular verb.
Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the
proposal before proceeding.
7. When a compound subject contains both a
singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined
by "or" or "nor," the verb should agree with
the part of the subject that is closest to the
verb. This is also called the rule of proximity.
Example: The student or the committee members
write every day.
Example: The committee members or the student
writes every day.
8. The words and phrases "each," "each one,"
"either," "neither," "everyone," "everybody,"
"anyone," "anybody," "nobody," "somebody,"
"someone," and "no one" are singular and
require a singular verb.
Example: Each of the participants was willing to be
recorded.
Example: Neither alternative hypothesis was
accepted.
Example: I will offer a $5 gift card to everybody
who participates in the study.
Example: No one was available to meet with me at
the preferred times.
9. Noncount nouns take a singular verb.
Example: Education is the key to success.
Example: Diabetes affects many people around the
world.
Example: The information obtained from the
business owners was relevant to include in the
study.
Example: The research I found on the topic was
limited.
10. Some countable nouns in English such as
earnings, goods, odds, surroundings, proceeds,
contents, and valuables only have a plural
form and take a plural verb.
Example: The earnings for this quarter exceed
expectations.
Example: The proceeds from the sale go to support
the homeless population in the city.
Example: Locally produced goods have the
advantage of shorter supply chains.
11. In sentences beginning with "there is" or
"there are," the subject follows the verb. Since
"there" is not the subject, the verb agrees with
what follows the verb.
Example: There is little administrative support.
Example: There are many factors affecting teacher
retention.
12. Collective nouns are words that imply more
than one person but are considered singular
and take a singular verb. Some examples are
"group," "team," "committee," "family," and
"class."
Example: The group meets every week.
Example: The committee agrees on the quality of
the writing.
However, the plural verb is used if the focus is on
the individuals in the group. This is much less
common.
Example: The committee participate in various
volunteer activities in their private lives.
MODALS
Modal verbs (will, would, should, may, can, could,
might, must) precede another verb. Modals do not
have subject-verb agreement or take the infinitive
“to” before the next verb.
1. LOGICAL POSSIBILITY: EXPRESSES A DEGREE OF
PROBABILITY
Before: This is the fastest way to drive to
Westwood.
After: This might be the fastest way to drive to
Westwood.
2. ABILITY: SHOWS CAPABILITY
Before: Riding the bus avoids traffic.
After: Riding the bus can avoid traffic.
3. NECESSITY: EXPRESSES DIRECTNESS IN
ATTITUDE
Before: Wash your hands before preparing food.
After: You must wash your hands before preparing
food.
4. PERMISSION: SHOWS POLITENESS
Before: I am going to your office hours.
After: Can I go to your office hours?
STRENGTH AND FREQUENCY OF MODAL VERBS
In academic writing, modal verbs are most
frequently used to indicate logical possibility and
least frequently used to indicate permission. Eight
modal verbs are listed under each of the functions
they can perform in academic writing, and are
ordered from strongest to weakest for each
function. Notice that the same modal can have
different strengths when it’s used for different
functions (e.g., may or can).
ENGLISH 02 – ENGLISH ENHANCEMENT
COURSE
What is a Part of Speech?
Parts of speech are among the first grammar topics
we learn when we are in school or when we start
our English language learning process. Parts of
speech can be defined as words that perform
different roles in a sentence. Some parts of speech
can perform the functions of other parts of speech
too.
Parts of Speech Definition
 The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines parts of
speech as “One of the classes into which words
are divided according to their grammar, such as
noun, verb, adjective, etc.”
 The Cambridge Dictionary also gives a similar
definition – “One of the grammatical groups
into which words are divided, such as noun,
verb, and adjective”.
8 Parts of Speech Definitions and Examples:
1. Nouns are words that are used to name people,
places, animals, ideas and things. Nouns can be
classified into two main categories: Common nouns
and Proper nouns. Common nouns are generic like
ball, car, stick, for instance, and proper nouns are
more specific like Charles, The White House, The
Sun, etc. Also, Explore Singular Nouns and Plural
Nouns.
Examples of nouns used in sentences:
 I have a pet. (animal)
 Many people have a fear of darkness.
(ideas/abstract nouns)
2. Pronouns are words that are used to substitute a
noun in a sentence. There are different types of
pronouns. Some of them are reflexive pronouns,
possessive pronouns, relative pronouns and
indefinite pronouns. I, he, she, it, them, his, yours,
anyone, nobody, who, where, etc., are some of the
pronouns.
Examples of pronouns used in sentences:
 I reached home at six in the evening. (1st
person singular pronoun)
 Did someone see a red bag on the counter?
(Indefinite pronoun)
 Is this the boy who won the first prize?
(Relative pronoun)
 That is my mom. (Possessive pronoun)
 I hurt myself yesterday when we were playing
cricket. (Reflexive pronoun)
3. Verbs are words that denote an action that is
being performed by the noun or the subject in a
sentence. They are also called action words. Some
examples of verbs are read, sit, run, pick, garnish,
come, pitch, etc.
Examples of verbs used in sentences:
 She plays cricket every day.
 Darshana and Arul are going to the movies.
 My friends visited me last week.
 Did you have your breakfast?
 My name is Meenakshi Kishore.
4. Adverbs are words that are used to provide
more information about verbs, adjectives and other
adverbs used in a sentence. There are five main
types of adverbs, namely, adverbs of manner,
adverbs of degree, adverbs of frequency, adverbs
of time and adverbs of place. Some examples of
adverbs are today, quickly, randomly, early, 10 a.m.
etc.
Examples of adverbs used in sentences:
 The thieves jumped over the wall and escaped
before we could reach home.
7. Conjunctions are a part of speech that is used to
connect two different parts of a sentence, phrases
and clauses. Some examples of conjunctions are
and, or, for, yet, although, because, not only, etc.

 Did you come here to buy an umbrella? (Adverb
of place)
 I did not go to school yesterday as I was sick.
(Adverb of time)
 Savio reads the newspaper everyday. (Adverb
of frequency)
 Can you please come quickly? (Adverb of
manner)
 Tony was so sleepy that he could hardly keep
his eyes open during the meeting. (Adverb of
degree)
Examples of conjunctions used in sentences:
 Meera and Jasmine had come to my birthday
party.
 Jane did not go to work as she was sick.
 Unless you work hard, you cannot score good
marks.
 I have not finished my project yet.
8. Interjections are words that are used to convey
strong emotions or feelings. Some examples of
interjections are oh, wow, alas, yippee, etc. It is
always followed by an exclamation mark.

5. Adjectives are words that are used to describe or Examples of interjections used in sentences:
provide more information about the noun or the
 Wow! What a wonderful work of art.
subject in a sentence. Some examples of adjectives
 Alas! That is really sad.
include good, ugly, quick, beautiful, late, etc.
 Yippee! We won the match.
Examples of adjectives used in sentences:

 The place we visited yesterday was serene. MILITARY ALPHABET

 Did you see how big that dog was?
 The weather is pleasant today.
 The red dress you wore on your birthday was
lovely.
 My brother had only one chapati for breakfast.

6. Prepositions are words that are used to link one

part of the sentence to another. Prepositions show
the position of the object or subject in a sentence.
Some examples of prepositions are in, out, besides,
in front of, below, opposite, etc.

Examples of prepositions used in sentences:

 The teacher asked the students to draw lines

on the paper so that they could write in straight
lines.
 The child hid his birthday presents under his
bed.
 Mom asked me to go to the store near my
school.