Words can be classified in different ways, applying certain linguistic criteria, because not all words are the same. In fact, we can find variable and invariant words. Can’t tell the difference? Well, in this post we are going to explain in depth what variable and invariable words are and examples so that you understand it well. Ready to get started?
There are different ways of classifying words, according to their function and their morphology. For example, words can be classified based on meaning. In this case, we will be referring to the words that are known as “lexical”. They are words that have a full meaning, as is the case of the adverb, the adjective, the verb and the noun.
There are also the grammatical words , which have no lexical meaning . Among them we can mention the conjugation, the article, the preposition and the pronoun. These words have the function of offering grammatical data.
Now, if we analyze the words from another point of view, taking into account their morphology or their shape and structure, then we will be referring to variable words which allow modifications in their form, and also the invariable words that, unlike the previous ones, it always maintains its same shape.
We know that told like this, everything sounds very complex. Therefore, in this post we will show you what exactly the variable and invariable words consist of and, in addition, you will be able to see some examples of each of these words so that you have a better idea when recognizing them.
What are variable words?
When we talk about variable words , we refer to all those words to which some modification of number , gender , person , mode and also time can be made . This is one of the characteristics that best defines variable words, since depending on the context it allows a change of form. Among the variable words we can mention the following:
- Verbs: they are those that indicate an action, process or state that the subject performs within a sentence. They can change in mode, number, time and person.
- Nouns: its purpose is to indicate ideas, things, animals and people. They can also be modified in number and gender.
- Adjectives: they are responsible for accompanying the noun in order to accentuate several of its most important characteristics. They can change according to number and gender.
- Determinants: they affect everything that is related to the noun. They can change according to number and gender.
- Pronouns: they are used to replace the noun. Like all the previous ones, these words vary according to number and gender.
Variable word examples
To understand a little better what variable words are, here are some examples:
VERBS
- Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
- Eat, you ate, we will eat, we eat, they ate, they will eat, like, let’s eat.
- Counting, counting, counting, counting, counting, we will count, counting, counting, counting
- Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut.
- Say, they said, we will say, say, we said, said, you said, they will say, I said.
- Run away, we’ll run away, run away, run away, run away, run away, run away, have run away.
- Calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling, calling.
- Cry, cry, cry, cry, cry, cry, cry, cry, cry, cry, cry.
- It rained, it rained, it will rain, it rains, it rains, it rains, it will rain.
- Add, add, add, add, add, add, add, add, add, add, add.
NOUNS
- Love, loves.
- Friend, friend, friends, friends.
- Meat, meats.
- Boxes box.
- Finger, fingers.
- Mirror, mirrors.
- Brother, sister, brothers, sisters.
- Girl, child girls, children.
- Cloud, clouds.
- Table tables.
- Paper papers.
- Bitch, dog, bitches, dog.
- Plant, plants.
- Mug, mugs.
ADJECTIVES
- Cheerful, cheerful.
- Low, low, low, low.
- Hot, hot.
- Red, red, red, red.
- Quiet, quiet, quiet, quiet.
- Ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly.
- Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
- Slow, slow, slow, slow.
- Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty.
- Heavy, heavy, heavy, heavy.
- Quick, quick, quick, quick.
- Silent, silent, silent, silent.
DETERMINANTS
- This, these, this, these.
- That, that, those, those.
- He, the, the, the.
- Our, our, our, our.
- My, my.
- One, one, one, one.
PRONOUNS
- Some, some, some, some.
- That, that, that, those, those.
- He she They they.
- That, that, those, those.
- We, us.
- Few, few, few, few.
- Fifth, fifth, fifth, fifth.
- Who who.
- Yours, yours, yours, yours.
- So much, so many, so many, so many.
What are invariable words?
Unlike variable words, invariant words do not allow any modification in their form , this means that no matter what happens, there will never be a change in number or gender .
In the case of invariant words, three different classes can be found, these are:
- Conjugations: are those words that lack semantic meaning, that is, they serve as a link between different sentences, words and phrases.
- Adverbs: one of their main purposes is to change a verb, an adjective and even another adverb, this is because they can offer data about the situations where a certain action is carried out. One of its characteristics is that they can indicate time, denial, affirmation, place, doubt and also quantity.
- Prepositions: they serve to create links between all the parts that make up a sentence. Besides, they can different elements.
EXAMPLES OF INVARIANT WORDS
Here are some examples of invariant words:
- Yesterday we went to see the new Tarzan movie.
- Even if I have no appetite, I will try this soup.
- Even though you insulted me, I’ll help you cook.
- Due to bad weather, the football game was suspended.
- Sure enough , tomorrow we travel to London.
- This gift comes from Valencia.
- He prepared paste to Bolognese.
- He went to Madrid, that is , the place where he was born.
- It rained, therefore , I had to stay home.
- Yes , I would like us to go eat ice cream.
