His only answer was a grunt.
Analyzing the Sentence: "His only answer was a grunt."
The sentence presents a situation where someone responded with a non-verbal sound ("a grunt") instead of words. We need to determine the grammatical role of the word "only" within this specific sentence.
Understanding the Role of "only"
In the sentence "His only answer was a grunt," the word "only" is used to modify the noun "answer". It tells us something specific about the answer – that it was the single, sole, or exclusive answer given. It limits or restricts the noun.
Identifying the Part of Speech: Adjective
Words that modify or describe nouns or pronouns are called adjectives. Since "only" describes the noun "answer" by specifying its uniqueness or singularity, it functions as an adjective in this context.
Consider these points:
- It answers the question "Which answer?" or "How many answers?" (in the sense of singularity).
- It restricts the meaning of the noun "answer".
- Examples of similar usage: "This is my only chance." (only modifies chance)
Evaluating Other Options
Let's look at why the other options are less suitable:
- Noun: A noun represents a person, place, thing, or idea. "Only" is not acting as a thing here.
- Pronoun: A pronoun replaces a noun (e.g., he, she, it). "Only" does not replace any noun in this sentence.
- Determiner: Determiners typically precede nouns and specify quantity or definiteness (e.g., a, the, some, my, one). While "only" can sometimes act like a determiner or be closely related, its primary function here is descriptive – limiting the noun's characteristics, which is the core role of an adjective. It specifies the *kind* of answer (the sole one), rather than just introducing the noun.
Therefore, the most accurate classification for "only" in this sentence is Adjective.
Similar Questions
Directions : Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :
List I
(Parts of Speech)List II
(Word)A. Noun 1. Dually B. Verb 2. Duplication C. Adverb 3. Duplicate D. Adjective 4. Duple
Code:
A B C DThe manager expects every employee to do his duty.
- To swim every day is good for health.
- He is one of the tallest boys in his class.
- Consequently, this poses a threat to agriculture and human health.
I didn't tell him anything except that I needed the money.
- She married at 18 and gave birth to her first child shortly thereafter.
- The mighty river Brahmaputra flows through the plains of Assam.
The money which one earns is not the money for himself, it is for the family and society.
The Principal said, "We should always be disciplined."
Important Questions from Parts of Speech
Direction: In the following sentence has a word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word is. Indicate your response accordingly.
All the pilgrims rested for a whileunderthe banyan tree.
Direction: In the following sentence has a word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word is. Indicate your response accordingly.
The wonderfulstatueof the leader welcomes all people to the city.
Direction: In the following sentence has a word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word is. Indicate your response accordingly.
This ishispen.
Direction: In the following sentence has a word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word is. Indicate your response accordingly.
When people found that the jewel was in the records of Rahim, they gaveitto him.
Direction: In the following sentence has a word or phrase underlined. Read the sentences carefully and find which part of speech the underlined word is. Indicate your response accordingly.
Itis eleven O'clock now and all of us should retire to bed.
