General terms:
* Parts of speech: This is the most accurate and general term. It refers to the different categories of words based on their function in a sentence.
* Word classes: Similar to "parts of speech," this term describes the categories into which words are grouped based on their grammatical function.
* Grammatical categories: This term is a bit more formal and refers to the different classes of words that are defined by their grammatical function.
More specific terms:
* Modifiers: This term emphasizes the role of adverbs and adjectives in changing the meaning of other words (verbs, nouns, etc.).
* Descriptors: This term emphasizes the descriptive function of adjectives and adverbs.
Other options:
* Lexical items: This is a more general term that refers to any word or phrase in a language.
* Elements of syntax: This emphasizes the role of these word classes within the structure of a sentence.
Ultimately, the best word to use will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.