Introduction to

Morphemes and
Words
Morphemes are the smallest units of language that carry meaning, while
words are combinations of one or more morphemes. They are the
building blocks of language, shaping the way we communicate and
understand each other.

Did it for Carmen Baez

Definition of
Morphemes
1 Types of Morphemes
Morphemes are classified into free and bound
morphemes, each with distinct functions in
forming words.
Definition of a Word
1 Composition of Meaning
A word can consist of one or several morphemes, each contributing to its overall
meaning and function.
How Many Types of
Morphemes Are There?
Free Morphemes Bound Morphemes

These standalone morphemes can function as These morphemes are attached to other words,
words by themselves. altering their meaning and function.
Different Ways
to Form a New
Word
1 Derivation
New words are formed by adding affixes to
existing words, changing their meaning or
function.

2 Compounding
Words are created by combining two or more
independent words to form a single new word.

3 Blending
This word-formation process combines parts of
existing words to create a new word with a
unique meaning.
Three Things to
Remember
About Grammar
Structural Order
Words establish a structural order within a
sentence, influencing the overall meaning.

Syntax Rules
Governing the arrangement of words, phrases,
and clauses in a sentence.

Morphosyntax Integration
The interplay between morphemes and syntax
constructs the rules governing word forms and
sentence structures.
What is Morphosyntax?

1 Morphological Structure 2 Syntactic Structure

Examining the arrangement and Focusing on how words come together to
relationships of morphemes within words. form phrases and sentences.
Conclusion
1 Significance
Morphemes and words are fundamental
to understanding the structure and
function of language.

2 Evolution
The study of morphemes and words
contributes to our understanding of
how languages develop and change
over time.

3 Application
This knowledge is applicable in various
fields, from linguistics to language
instruction and beyond.