In the English language, the word “in” has multiple functions. It can serve as a noun, a preposition, an adverb, and an adjective.
This word can be categorized as a noun, if it is used to mean a leverage or an influential ability. Take for example, this sentence:
Sophie has an in with the president because she is married to the president’s son.
In this sentence, the word serves as a noun which means influence.
Definition:
a. one who is in office or power or on the inside
b. influence; pull
2. Preposition
Sometimes, the word “in” can also be classified under prepositions, when it is used to express a period of time, indicate a location, show that an object is within something, indicate instrumentality, or specify a particular ratio. Look at the sample sentence below:
The Beatles were very popular in the 1960s.
The word “in” is used as a preposition that indicates the period of time.
Definition:
a. used to indicate location or position within something
b. expressing a period of time during which an event takes place
c. used as a function word to indicate inclusion, location, or position within limits
d. used as a function word to indicate means, medium, or instrumentality
e. used as a function word to indicate the larger member of a ratio
3. Adverb
In some cases, the word “in” is considered as an adverb, if it is used to modify a verb or an adjective. For example, as in the sentence below:
Peter’s dad walked in.
The word “in” modifies the verb”walked,” and is therefore categorized as an adverb.
Definition:
a. to or toward the inside especially of a house or other building
b. to or toward some destination or particular place
c. so as to incorporate
4. Adjective
There are also other times wherein the word “in” is considered as an adjective because it describes a noun or a pronoun. For instance, in the sentence:
Beards are in.
The word “in” is categorized as an adjective that describes the noun “beards.”
Definition:
a. keenly aware of and responsive to what is new and fashionable
b. extremely fashionable; the in thing to do; the in place to go
In grammar, the sentence is the smallest independent unit which expresses a complete thought. Perhaps, you already know that there are…
In English texts and everyday communication, the word “like” serves a variety of purposes. It can act as an adjective,…
In written and spoken English, the word “if” serves a double purpose. It can either be used as a conjunction…
Just like many words in the English language, the word ”very” also serves a double function. It can be used…
In English texts and verbal communication, the word what also have various functions. It can be used as a adjective,…
In the English language, the word “about” has multiple purposes. It can be used as a preposition, an adverb, or…