Definition
A particle is a word that
- does not belong to one of the main classes of words
- is invariable in form, and
- typically has grammatical or pragmatic meaning.
Discussion
The usage of the term particle varies. Some authorities include English prepositions and even English articles as particles.
Examples
- to (in marking infinitives)
- up (in set up)
- not
- well
- oh
Kinds
More specific concepts within particle.
Sources 7
- Richards, Platt, and Weber 1985, 208
- Crystal 1985, 222
- Mish 1991, 858
- Crystal 1987, 427
- Pei and Gaynor 1954, 161
- Hartmann and Stork 1972, 165
- Schourup 1983, 1