Noun Phrases
Noun-a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea
Noun Phrase-a noun and any words in the sentence that modify it; words that can modify nouns include articles (a, an, the); adjectives; participles; and possessive pronouns
A noun phrase can be a single word-just the noun-or more than one word.
Noun phrases can function in several different ways in a sentence. Some of the most common functions of noun phrases are listed below.
1. A noun phrase can be a subject:
2. A noun phrase can be a direct object:
3. A noun phrase can be the object of a preposition:
4. A noun phrase can be an indirect object:
Examples of Noun Phrases:
a yellow house a skate board the glistening snow
Each of these phrases contains a noun (house, board, snow). The other words modify the noun.
Examples of noun phrase as subject: The yellow house is for sale.
The glistening snow covered the field.
Examples of noun phrase as direct object: I want a skate board.
Should we buy the yellow house?
Examples of noun phrase as object of preposition: Jeff rode on a skate board.
Karen lives in the yellow house.
Example of noun phrase as indirect object: Lisa gave the little boy a candy.
Phrases are an essential part of the English language and are the building blocks of all sentences. There are five main types of phrases in English: noun phrases, adjective phrases, verb phrases, adverb phrases, and prepositional phrases. Today we will be looking at noun phrases.
This article will introduce noun phrases, explain the different types, discuss noun phrase modifiers and provide plenty of examples.
What is a noun phrase?
A noun phrase is a group of words that acts as a noun. Noun phrases typically consist of two or more words, including a noun, and other words that modify the noun, such as an article (e.g. a, an, the), a quantifier (a number), or a possessive (e.g. his, hers, theirs). Some linguists consider single nouns to be noun phrases too. They call them ‘single-word noun phrases’.
The spotted puppy.
Fig. 1 — ‘spotted puppy’ is a noun phrase.
In this example, the head noun (or main noun) is ‘puppy‘, and its modifiers are the article ‘the‘ and the adjective ‘spotted‘.
How do I identify a noun phrase?
The two main parts of a noun phrase are the main noun and its modifiers. The modifiers can be placed before or after the noun. Once you have identified the noun, it is easy to identify the modifiers. Just look at what is next to the noun!
He delivered the book with a blue spine.
In this sentence, the head noun is ‘book‘. The premodifier (modifier that comes before the noun) is the article ‘the‘. ‘With a blue spine‘ is the postmodifier (modifier that comes after the head noun).
How do we know that the head noun is the ‘book‘ and not the ‘spine‘? Because the spine gives extra detail about the book rather than the other way around.
When confused, try to find out which noun introduces the main idea in the sentence. Any other nouns will simply add detail to the main noun.
The tall tree with oranges.
The head noun here is ‘tree’. ‘The tall‘ are premodifiers, whereas ‘with oranges‘ is the postmodifier. How do we know that ‘tree‘ is the main noun? Because the noun ‘oranges‘ does not introduce an idea but rather defines what kind of tree it is.
When trying to identify noun phrases, a useful technique is to replace the noun phrase with a pronoun, like this:
The blue sky could be seen from the mountain.
It could be seen from the mountain.
If the sentence still makes sense after replacing the phrase with a pronoun (like in the above example), you can be confident that it is a noun phrase. This might not work in all cases, but it is useful as a general rule.
Types of noun phrases
Let’s take a look at some different types of noun phrases.
Expanded noun phrases
An expanded noun phrase is a noun phrase that includes additional words, such as adjectives, prepositional phrases, or relative clauses, to provide more information and detail about the noun it modifies.
Expanded noun phrases can vary significantly in length. They can be as short as two words (the minimum accepted by most grammarians to form a phrase), or they could be much longer and contain many pre and post modifiers.
Expanded noun phrases provide additional information in a sentence. They are made up of the main noun and one or more adjectives, pronouns, or prepositions which are meant to add further description.
How would you describe the picture below?
Fig. 2 — Use noun phrases to discuss the alpaca.
‘The alpaca‘. Yes, you could say that. This is a simple noun phrase. It contains the main noun ‘alpaca’ and the premodifier ‘the’. But how would we make it into an expanded noun phrase? Here are examples of expanded noun phrases:
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‘The brown alpaca’. Now, this is an expanded noun phrase because we have added the adjective ‘brown‘, which adds further detail. Could we make it longer? Of course!
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‘The brown, smiling, curious alpaca‘. This expanded noun phrase contains several adjectives that add more and more layers of detail to the noun.
Some further examples of expanded noun phrases include
The man on the balcony.
The child across the table.
These are expanded noun phrases that contain prepositions (on and across) that introduce postmodifiers (the balcony and the table).
Singular noun phrases
A singular noun phrase is a phrase that only contains one word, which must be a noun or a pronoun. Some linguists suggest these aren’t phrases at all, whereas others argue that nouns/pronouns on their own can work as noun phrases.
Beth was hungry.
Fathima left early.
It is cold.
Noun phrase modifiers
Noun phrases come with words that are placed either before or after the main noun. These are called modifiers. If the modifier comes before the main noun, it is called a premodifier, and if it comes after, it is called a postmodifier.
Premodifiers in noun phrases
Premodifiers come before a noun and are usually made up of determiners, adjectives, and nouns.
Determiners
Determiners will usually come first in a noun phrase (e.g. ‘the pink skirt‘). Determiners include:
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Articles, e.g. a / an, the
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Demonstrative, e.g. this, that, these, those
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Possessive determiners, e.g. my, your, his, her,
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Quantifiers, e.g. some, any, all, enough, no, every
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Numerals, e.g. one, two, three
Determiners might seem insignificant, but they are paramount to expressing the kind of reference the noun phrase makes.
This book is a history textbook.
The determiner, in this case, is the demonstrative ‘this’, which makes it clear exactly which book is a history book.
Adjectives
Premodifiers also include adjectives. Adjectives are parts of speech which are meant to define and add detail to a noun.
A tremendous storm
This noun phrase contains the main noun ‘storm’ and two premodifiers. The indefinite determiner ‘a’ and the adjective ‘tremendous’ act as the premodifiers.
My interesting and profitable business
This expanded noun phrase contains the main noun ‘business’ and three premodifiers. The possessive determiner ‘my’ and the adjectives ‘interesting’ and ‘profitable’ act as its premodifiers.
As you can see, premodifiers often work together when forming noun phrases.
Nouns
Nouns can also act as the premodifiers of noun phrases. They tend to explain specific attributes of the noun, such as material, era, type, texture etc.
A high school diploma
The noun ‘high school’ specifies the type of diploma.
‘A silk jacket’
The noun ‘silk’ specifies the type of jacket.
Identifying nouns as premodifiers can be difficult because you run the risk of confusing them with the main noun. Make sure to test whether the noun adds more information to another noun or if it is the noun that the other elements work to define.
Modifiers that specify time or measurement remain singular even when expressing a plural. For example, ‘Scotland will be testing a four-day week‘, not ‘Scotland will be testing a four-days week’.
Fig. 3 — The noun phrase ‘high school diploma’ specifies the type of diploma the students receive.
Postmodifiers in noun phrases
Postmodifiers are placed after the head noun. They include complements and more general postmodifiers.
Complements
Complements include prepositional phrases or clauses and are placed immediately after the noun. As their name suggests, they complement the noun. They are necessary to complete the meaning.
A rise in house prices (prepositional phrase = ‘in house prices’)
A feeling of uncontrollable excitement (prepositional phrase = ‘of uncontrollable excitement)
The notion that the government should take immediate action (clause = ‘that the government should take immediate action ‘)
In all these cases, removing the complement would dissolve the meaning, and the noun phrase would not make sense anymore.
General postmodifiers
General postmodifiers consist of adverb phrases, prepositional phrases, and clauses. General postmodifiers give additional or more specific information about the noun (e.g. place, time, possession, features, type etc.).
The main difference between general postmodifiers and complements is that general postmodifiers are not necessary for the noun phrase to make sense.
A new school nearby
A friendly man with dark hair
The brand new hoover she bought yesterday
The woman in the white trousers giving a lecture
Can you identify the general postmodifiers in these sentences?
Answers:
- nearby
- with dark hair
- she bought yesterday
- giving a lecture
General postmodifiers usually come after any complement in the sentence.
Look at the following sentence, for example:
‘There is a new supermarket in our town just next to the car park.’
‘in our town‘ comes directly after the main noun ‘supermarket’. It is the complement as it adds necessary information.
‘just next to the car park’ is a general postmodifier because the noun phrase would still make sense without it.
Uses of noun phrases
Noun phrases can have several uses in a clause/sentence. Specifically, they can be used as the subject or object.
Noun phrases as the subject
The subject of a sentence identifies who does the action of the verb:
The yellow tennis ball flew across the court
The sneaky fox hid behind the fence
In both of these sentences, the noun phrase is the subject of the sentence and is completing the action.
Noun phrases as the object
The object in a sentence identifies what/who receives the verb’s action.
He threw the yellow tennis ball across the court.
In this sentence, the subject is now ‘he’, and the ‘yellow tennis ball’ has become the object.
Noun phrase examples
By now you should have a good idea of what noun phrases are. Let’s look at some example sentences to see if you can identify the noun phrase in each. Remember, there may be more than one noun phrase in a sentence!
- The tall towering tree began to fall.
- The cheeky monkey was eating a ripe banana.
- That car is cool.
- Lewis hated maths.
- She bought a new warm coat.
- She has eleven cats.
Answers:
- The tall towering tree
- The cheeky monkey and a ripe banana
- That car
- Lewis
- a new warm coat
- eleven cats
Noun Phrase — Key takeaways
- A noun phrase consists of two or more words that function as a noun; this includes the main noun and its pre and post-modifiers.
- Premodifiers include determiners, adjectives, and nouns.
- Postmodifiers include complements and general postmodifiers. The key difference between the two is that complements are necessary to complete the meaning of the noun phrase, whereas general postmodifiers are not necessary.
- Expanded noun phrases consist of the main noun and one or more adjectives or nouns.
- Noun phrases can act as subjects or objects within a sentence.
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#1
Hi teachers,
In linguistics a word is the smallest element in a sentence and I believe «words» combine to form phrases.
All phrases must have one obligatory element and it is that element, the headword, which controls the phrase; for example the noun phrase.
The head of a noun phrase can have premodifiers and postmodifiers before and after the headword.
We have two possibilities for NP:
1. A noun phrase may consists of only one word. That word will be either a noun or pronoun.
Examples:
Peter arrived late.
He arrived late.
2. A noun phrase may consists of more than one word. One of these words, a noun, is the headword. The other words describe or modify the headword.
The old man.
The very old man.
The old man with green eyes.
My question:
Why can we say that a noun phrase is or consists of a word or a group of words than can function as the subject, the object, or the complement in a sentence?
How come «a noun phrase is or consists of a word» if in linguistics a word is the smallest element in a sentence?
Thanks in advance.
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#2
Pay attention, TL, that you always use the bare infinitive after most modal verbs
may consists
may consist
A noun phrase may consist of a single word if that single word is the head noun, yes, true.
Words are the building blocks of sentences, true, but words are also the building blocks of phrases. When the phrase consists of a single word, a word and a phrase are the same thing —
only
in that case.
the phrase ‘man’ = the word ‘man’
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#3
Your definitions (1 and 2) allow for a noun phrase consisting of either one word (the head) or two or more words.
So music and the green apple are both noun phrases.
I don’t see the problem. It’s one of definition. Some people define a phrase as consisting of two or more words; others do not.
There is no «correct» definition.
Of course, if you take away may from your definitions, then you have two contradictory definitions.
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#4
I can’t see what you’re asking. Are you worried that something can’t ‘consist of’ a single thing? This is not the most common situation when we say ‘consist of’, but technical definitions normally allow it, otherwise you would have to treat the number one as a special case. The noun phrase ‘Peter’ consists of a single proper name; helium gas consists of monatomic helium.
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#5
Pay attention, TL, that you always use the bare infinitive after most modal verbs
may consists
may consist![:tick:]( "Tick :tick:")
Sure I know that, boozer. It happened because when I first wrote my thread «may» wasn’t there. I included it and I forgot to correct the principal verb «consist».
A noun phrase may consist of a single word if that single word is the head noun, yes, true.
That’s where I get lost. How come a «phrase» may be «one word» and at the same time a «group of words»?
Words are the building blocks of sentences, true, but words are also the building blocks of phrases.
See, «building blocks» is plural.
When the phrase consists of a single word, a word and a phrase are the same thing — only in that case.
That’s it! This is what I was looking for! It just happens when a word and a phrase are the same thing.
Does that only happens to NP or it can also happen to «gerund phrases» and «prepositional phrases»?
If the explanations are right, a gerund phrase or a prepositional phrase can’t be one word.
A gerund phrase is a phrase that always begins with a gerund, and functions as a noun.
In short:
Gerund + phrase.
At least two words.
Staying home.
A prepositional phrase is a phrase that always begins with a preposition, and the object of the preposition.
in short:
Preposition + object of the preposition (phrase).
at least two words.
In April.
TL
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#6
Your definitions (1 and 2) allow for a noun phrase consisting of either one word (the head) or two or more words.
So music and the green apple are both noun phrases.
According to that definition they are. Though others say that a phrase is a group of two or more words that work together but don’t form a clause.
I don’t see the problem. It’s one of definition. Some people define a phrase as consisting of two or more words; others do not. There is no «correct» definition.
That’s where the problem arose, to me. Both live in the same building and I guess they will do it forever.
Of course, if you take away may from your definitions, then you have two contradictory definitions.
Don’t I?
TL
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#7
Dissenting, I want to bring this up. The verb phrase ‘dissenting’ consists solely of a gerund-participle, and the preposition phrase ‘up’ consists solely of a preposition.
A word and a phrase are not the same thing; but a phrase consists of one or more words, so it may consist of a single word. There’s no need, however, for every kind of phrase to have the possibility of a single word. In the traditional analysis where ‘up’ was not a preposition when it didn’t have a complement, there would be no one-word preposition phrases. However, I can’t see how this contradicts the idea of a one-word phrase.
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#8
I can’t see what you’re asking. Are you worried that something can’t ‘consist of’ a single thing?
Not really. Just in grammar.
This is not the most common situation when we say ‘consist of’, but technical definitions normally allow it, otherwise you would have to treat the number one as a special case. The noun phrase ‘Peter’ consists of a single proper name
It is hard to understand because in linguistics a word is the smallest element in a sentence and it is just ONE. being logical, one element = one word.
How come a word and a phrase are the same thing if a «phrase» is the next step in linguistics? word–phrase–clause–sentence–etc.
This is what boozer said. That is an explanation. Of course, in linguistics!
When the phrase consists of a single word, a word and a phrase are the same thing —
only
in that case.
TL
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#9
Oh, TL, do not take it so literally. I used the word ‘same’ rather loosely, meaning that in certain cases a word and a phrase are
practically
the same when a phrase consists of a single word.
I did not mean to say that the concepts of ‘word’ and ‘phrase’ become identical when a phrase consists of a single word.
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#10
When a phrase contains a verb (like your «gerund»), it is usually called a clause.
Thus the Cambridge Grammar of the English Language refers to gerund-participial clauses (
Finding suitable lodgings
proved to be difficult).
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#11
Dissenting, I want to bring this up. The verb phrase ‘dissenting’ consists solely of a gerund-participle, and the preposition phrase ‘up’ consists solely of a preposition.
To me, a verb phrase must have two elements: a verb + a phrase (play football) , and a prepositional phrase two elements as well: a preposition + a phrase (in April).
I do believe that here are two ways to look at the same idea.
TL
Oh, TL, do not take it so literally. I used the word ‘same’ rather loosely, meaning that in certain cases a word and a phrase are
practically
the same when a phrase consists of a single word.
Got that! Crystal clear.
I did not mean to say that the concepts of ‘word’ and ‘phrase’ become identical when a phrase consists of a single word.
What a relief!
TL
When a phrase contains a verb (like your «gerund»), it is usually called a clause.
Are you telling me that «staying home» is a clause? Now I’m puzzled.
Isn’t the next explanation right?
A clause must include a subject and a predicate. A phrase, however, doesn’t contain a subject and a predicate, so while it’s found within a clause, a phrase can’t be a clause.
TL
Last edited by a moderator: Mar 28, 2019
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#12
The underlined part of I like staying home is an —ing clause or a non-finite clause. Why must it have a subject?
Some authors use verb phrase, while others use verb clause.
One definition is «A clause is a phrase whose head is a verb (whether finite or not). (The expected term verb phrase is best avoided because it has too many different meanings.)»
This comes from Grammatical Terminology Recommended by the LAGB [Linguistics Association of Great Britain] for Use in Schools.
This is not a bible. Other books may use verb phrase. What is important is that the definition should be clear to the reader.
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#13
The underlined part of I like staying home is an —ing clause or a non-finite clause. Why must it have a subject?
Some authors use verb phrase, while others use verb clause.
One definition is «A clause is a phrase whose head is a verb (whether finite or not). (The expected term verb phrase is best avoided because it has too many different meanings.)»
This comes from Grammatical Terminology Recommended by the LAGB [Linguistics Association of Great Britain] for Use in Schools.
Thanks for the explanation, e2efour.
This is not a bible. Other books may use verb phrase. What is important is that the definition should be clear to the reader.
I completely agree with you.
TL
A noun phrase may consist of a single word if that single word is the head noun, yes, true.
In linguistics, the head of a phrase is the word that determines the syntactic category of that phrase. That is to say, a noun, verb, gerund, preposition, etc.
For example, the head of the noun phrase «big brown dog» is the noun «dog».
My analysis in «That girl owns a big brown dog».
That girl = subject.
owns =verb.
a big brown dog = noun phrase as the object of the verb «owns».
Could you tell me if I am right in the following conclusions?
«A big brown dog» is a noun phrase». But «dog» by itself, can never be a noun phrase because of these two reasons:
1. I can’t replace «a big brown dog» with the object pronoun «it».
2. The answer to the question «What does that girl own?» can’t be «dog», it has to be be «a big brown dog».
**************************************************************
Then a noun phrase may consist of more than one word when there are premodifiers and postmodifiers before and after the headword (noun), and a noun phrase may be only one word when «the subject of a verb», «the object of a verb», and «the object of a preposition» in a sentence don’t have any premodifiers and postmodifiers before and after the headword (noun).
TL
Last edited by a moderator: Mar 28, 2019
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#14
Dog could be a noun phrase in the sentence I like to eat dog.
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#15
Dog could be a noun phrase in the sentence I like to eat dog.
Then in the same NP we can have two NPs?
Hmm… I thought about that, but then my following conclusion wouldn’t fit.
A noun phrase may consist of more than one word when there are premodifiers and postmodifiers before and after the headword (noun), and a noun phrase may be only one word when «the subject of a verb», «the object of a verb», and «the object of a preposition» in a sentence don’t have any premodifiers and postmodifiers before and after the headword (noun).
TL
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#16
What «two NPs» do you mean?
Dog is the head in my sentence and does not contradict your definition.
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#17
What «two NPs» do you mean?
My apologies. I was talking with someone at the same time that I was reading your reply. Of course there’s only one NP.
Then my explanation makes sense; right?
**************************************
If I have to be consistent, I have to use number two as a definition.
1. A phrase is a small group of words that stand together as a single unit, typically as part of a clause or a sentence.
2. In linguistic analysis, a phrase is a group of words (or possibly a single word) that functions as a constituent in the syntax of a sentence.
TL
Last edited: Mar 28, 2019
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#18
You are perfectly free to take the view that a noun phrase can consist of a head alone.
The same goes for verb phrases, which may consist of only one word, e.g. complained in he complained to the waiter about the food.
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#19
You are perfectly free to take the view that a noun phrase can consist of a head alone.
Got that.
The same goes for verb phrases, which may consist of only one word, e.g. complained in he complained to the waiter about the food.
A last one, please. Are the answers to my questions correct?
Does the same thing go for a gerund? I don’t think so. A gerund is always just one word.
Does the same thing go for a gerund phrase? I think so. It may be a word or a group of words.
Does the same thing go for a prepositional phrase? I think so. It may be a word or a group of words.
TL
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#20
Well, if you say that a phrase consists of
at least one word
(the «head»), then perhaps that takes care of the traditional definition («more than one word») and the linguistic definition («one or more words»), or at least part of the linguistic definition, since in linguistic contexts constituent and maximal projection are essential to the definition of «phrase.»
When it comes to «gerund,» keep in mind that phrase and clause are not mutually exclusive; they are two representations of the same structure/unit. And so, in:
I like reading linguistic textbooks
«reading linguistic textbooks» is a noun phrase (the direct object of «like,» given that direct objects are always noun phrases)
«reading linguistic textbooks» is a verb phrase (verb «reading» + direct object «linguistic textbooks»)
«reading linguistic textbooks» is a clause (there’s an understood subject, which is co-referent with the subject «I» of the main clause)
All three definitions are correct; it all depends on your perspective.
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#21
Well, if you say that a phrase consists of
at least one word
(the «head»), then perhaps that takes care of the traditional definition («more than one word») and the linguistic definition («one or more words»), or at least part of the linguistic definition, since in linguistic contexts constituent and maximal projection are essential to the definition of «phrase.»
Hi SevenDays,
Thanks for your help once again. Then the traditional definition and the linguistic definition are not far away from each other.
Two questions:
a) The following definitions are correct, aren’t they?
b) Is it necessary to write «without a subject-verb combination» for numbers 2 and 3 as well?
1.In Traditional Grammar a phrase may consist of one word or a group of words
without a subject-verb combination
.
2. In Traditional Grammar a gerund phrase begins with a gerund and may consists of one word or more than one word
without a subject-verb combination
.
3. In Traditional Grammar a prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and may consists of one word or more than one word
without a subject-verb combination
.
«reading linguistic textbooks» is a noun phrase (the direct object of «like,» given that direct objects are always noun phrases)
«reading linguistic textbooks» is a verb phrase (verb «reading» + direct object «linguistic textbooks»)
«reading linguistic textbooks» is a clause (there’s an understood subject, which is co-referent with the subject «I» of the main clause)All three definitions are correct; it all depends on your perspective.
I do understand that. It all depends on my perspective.
TL
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#22
Hi SevenDays,
Thanks for your help once again. Then the traditional definition and the linguistic definition are not far away from each other.Two questions:
a) The following definitions are correct, aren’t they?
b) Is it necessary to write «without a subject-verb combination» for numbers 2 and 3 as well?1.In Traditional Grammar a phrase may consist of one word or a group of words
without a subject-verb combination
.
2. In Traditional Grammar a gerund phrase begins with a gerund and may consists of one word or more than one wordwithout a subject-verb combination
.
3. In Traditional Grammar a prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and may consists of one word or more than one wordwithout a subject-verb combination
.
I do understand that. It all depends on my perspective.
TL
Yes. Traditional grammar puts the focus on the lack of subject-verb combination for its definition of «phrase.»
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#23
Yes. Traditional grammar puts the focus on the lack of subject-verb combination for its definition of «phrase.»
Got that, SD.
It seems that finally I hit the nail on the head. Since they are correct, I’ll use them in my classes.
It has been a long way to understand why some web pages say that a phrase is a group of words and others one word or more.
But now
I have a much better picture of the reasons
to have one definition or an another. I think that the traditional definition and the linguistic definition are a lot better.
This is the conclusion that I have arrived, and I’m sure it does work for «gerund phrases» and «prepositional phrases».
A noun phrase may consist of more than one word when there are premodifiers and postmodifiers before and after the headword (noun), and a noun phrase may be only oneword when «the subject of a verb», «the object of a verb», and «the object of a preposition» in a sentence don’t have any premodifiers and postmodifiers before and after the headword (noun).
TL
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#24
How come «a noun phrase is or consists of a word»
It the fact that you left out «… or a group of words» what’s confusing you here?
Would you understand «A molecule is or consists of an atom or a group of atoms»?
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#25
It the fact that you left out «… or a group of words» what’s confusing you here?
How come «a noun phrase is or consists of a word» if in linguistics a word is the smallest element in a sentence?
I didn’t forget «or a group of words» I understood a phrase as a group of words only.
Is it any better to change «a group of words» to «a word group»?
The definition of a «word group» says that it is «two or more content words».
Would you understand «A molecule is or consists of an atom or a group of atoms»?
Not my field at all, Glen.
A molecule is the smallest particle in a chemical element.
Molecules are made of atoms.
TL
Last edited: Mar 28, 2019
Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Brandt Hodkiewicz
Score: 4.8/5
(41 votes)
A noun phrase can be a single word-just the noun-or more than one word. Noun phrases can function in several different ways in a sentence. Some of the most common functions of noun phrases are listed below. Each of these phrases contains a noun (house, board, snow).
What is a noun phrase example?
Examples of noun phrases
That new pink bike is mine. In this sentence, ‘that new pink bike’ is the noun phrase. ‘Bike’ is the noun, and the other words describe the bike. The bakery on the corner sells lots of pastries.
What usually makes a noun phrase?
A noun phrase is a simple phrase built around a noun. It contains a determiner and a noun. An expanded noun phrase adds more detail to the noun by adding one or more adjectives. An adjective is a word that describes a noun.
Is a name a noun phrase?
A noun phrase is a group of words that work together to name and describe a person, place, thing, or idea. When we look at the structure of writing, we treat a noun phrase the same way we treat a common noun. Like all nouns, a noun phrase can be a subject, object, or complement.
Can a noun phrase have two nouns?
We can put two noun phrases (np) together to refer to the same person or thing. This is called apposition: I report to [NP1]Frank Stein, [NP2]Vice-president of marketing, with whom I meet weekly. [NP1]John Tebbitt, [NP2]a newcomer to marathons, ran a very good race.
35 related questions found
What is noun example of noun?
A noun is a word that refers to a thing (book), a person (Betty Crocker), an animal (cat), a place (Omaha), a quality (softness), an idea (justice), or an action (yodeling). It’s usually a single word, but not always: cake, shoes, school bus, and time and a half are all nouns.
How do you identify a noun phrase?
A noun phrase is a group of two or more words headed by a noun that includes modifiers (e.g., ‘the,’ ‘a,’ ‘of them,’ ‘with her’). A noun phrase plays the role of a noun. In a noun phrase, the modifiers can come before or after the noun. (This is a noun phrase headed by a pronoun.)
What is the difference between noun and noun phrase?
A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses. … A noun phrase is a group of words based on a noun or a pronoun that functions as a unit as the subject of a sentence or a clause and as the object of a verb or a preposition.
What is a noun phrase in grammar?
noun, often capitalized N&P.
How do you change a noun to a noun phrase?
We have to change the underline part into a noun phrase. For changing noun clauses into noun phrases we have to remove the subject and change the verb into infinitive phrases or gerund phrases. In all the options the subject is not present then we have to look at the verb part.
What is a noun phrase for kids?
A noun phrase includes one noun as well as words that describe it, for example: the black dog. In the classroom, children might be asked to look at noun phrases and turn them into expanded noun phrases, for example changing ‘the black dog’ to ‘the big, furry black dog’.
How do you use noun phrase in a sentence?
Noun Phrase Examples
Just as nouns can act as subjects, objects and prepositional objects, so can noun phrases. Similarly, noun phrases can also work in a sentence as adjectives, participles, infinitives, and prepositional or absolute phrases. Noun phrases are important for adding more detail to a noun.
How do you teach noun phrases?
Provide children with extracts from texts that include lots of noun phrases. Ask them to mark the noun phrases. Extend the task by asking them to expand the noun phrases further such as by adding a prepositional phrase or adding further information before the noun.
Can a noun phrase start with a preposition?
The preposition may add a meaning in context, like a case ending, or it may simply be required by a verb or noun to link with the object of the preposition, like transitive look at and listen to. A noun phrase does not always start with a preposition; a prepositional phrase always starts with one.
What is noun phrase examples with answers?
Noun phrases exercise
- I hope to win the first prize.
- I tried to solve the puzzle.
- Did you enjoy reading this book?
- The boy wants to go home.
- Horses prefer living in dark stables.
- The accused refused to answer the question.
- The boy denied stealing the money.
- To write such rubbish is disgraceful.
What words describe nouns?
An adjective is a word that describes a noun. An adjective usually comes before the noun it describes. Some adjectives are descriptive. They tell what kind of person, place, or thing the noun is.
What are the 4 types of nouns?
Common nouns, proper nouns, abstract nouns, and concrete nouns are our go-to nouns but there are many types of nouns ready to get in the game. To learn the difference between all these nouns, use this guide to link to in-depth articles about each type of noun.
Can a noun modify a noun?
In grammar, a noun adjunct, attributive noun, qualifying noun, noun (pre)modifier, or apposite noun is an optional noun that modifies another noun; it is a noun functioning as a pre-modifier in a noun phrase. For example, in the phrase «chicken soup» the noun adjunct «chicken» modifies the noun «soup».
Do noun phrases have commas?
Commas and Appositives. Appositive nouns and noun phrases are often nonrestrictive; that is, they can be omitted from a sentence without obscuring the identity of the nouns they describe. … If the noun or phrase is placed at the end of a sentence, it should be preceded by a comma.
What is a head word in a noun phrase?
In English grammar, a head is the key word that determines the nature of a phrase (in contrast to any modifiers or determiners). For example, in a noun phrase, the head is a noun or pronoun («a tiny sandwich»). … In an adverb phrase, the head is an adverb («quite clearly»).
Can a phrase be two words?
A phrase is a sequence of two or more words that make up a grammatical construction, usually lacking a finite verb and hence not a complete clause or sentence: shady lane (a noun phrase); at the bottom (a prepositional phrase); very slowly (an adverbial phrase).
What are the examples of noun clause?
Examples of Noun Clauses:
- Please tell me who left his shoes on the floor. ( direct object)
- Whoever is the last one to leave turns off the lights. ( subject)
- The boy with the red shirt is who I want on my team. ( predicate nominative)
A 3 min read
Noun Phrase
In our article “Noun modifiers can modify slightly far away nouns”, we say that the noun modifiers if preceded by a noun phrase can modify the head of the noun phrase. Through this article we will understand what these noun phrases and noun modifiers are so that we can quickly identify them and ascertain their roles in modification.
So let’s first begin with noun phrases. Now even before we start with noun phrase, let us quickly take a look at the definition of noun.
NOUN – A noun is word used to show a place, a person, a thing, or an idea (abstract noun).
Now let’s understand what a noun phrase is.
NOUN PHRASE – A noun phrase is a group of words that consists of a noun and a modifier that modifies that noun. Study the table for examples:
|
EXAMPLE |
NOUN |
NOUN MODIFIER |
|
a striped cat |
cat |
a striped |
|
the engine of the car |
the engine |
of the car |
|
Jimmy’s kitchen |
kitchen |
Jimmy’s |
Structure of Noun Phrase
In the above three examples, we see that the first and the second examples starts with a modifier first followed by the noun, whereas the second example starts with the noun followed by a modifier. So, in a noun phrase, the modifier can be placed either after or before the noun it refers to. A noun phrase can start with either a noun or a noun modifier.
Following are the types of modifiers that come before the noun to make a noun phrase:
|
Type |
Example |
Explanation |
|
Articles |
a cat, the engine |
While in “a cat”, “a” refers to just any cat, in “the engine”, “the” refers to particular engine. |
|
Possessive Nouns |
Jimmy’s kitchen |
“Jimmy’s” is the noun in possessive case. It acts an adjective that modifies the noun “kitchen”. |
|
Possessive Pronouns |
our cat, his car |
“our” & “his” are possessive pronouns that refer to “cat” and “car” respectively. |
|
Adjectives |
a striped cat, a flowering plant |
“striped” and “flowering” are adjectives. They modify “cat” and “plant” respectively. Both the modifiers give information about the nouns they modify. |
Following are the examples of the modifiers that come after the noun in a noun phrase:
|
Types |
Examples |
Explanation |
|
Prepositional phrases |
|
|
|
Relative pronoun clause |
|
|
|
Verb-ing modifiers |
|
|
|
Verb-ed modifiers |
|
|
In rare occasions, we do see a noun phrase that starts with a pronoun and is followed by a modifier modifying that pronoun:
|
Example |
Pronoun |
Modifier |
|
We |
who were famished by then |
|
Someone |
Very important |
|
No one |
Intelligent enough |
Now that we know about the noun phrases, we must also know about what all can classify as noun modifiers that can modify a noun phrase, to be more precise the head of the noun phrase.
As the name suggests, noun modifiers are the modifiers that modify noun entities. These noun entities can be a one-word noun or a noun phrase. Since noun modifiers modify noun entities, they must be placed as close to the entity that they modify as possible to keep the meaning of the sentence logical and clear.
Following are the kinds of noun modifiers:
|
Types |
Example |
Modifier |
Noun entity |
|
Adjectives |
The striped cat jumped out of the window. |
striped |
cat |
|
Verb-ing modifiers |
The planets circling the sun form the solar system. |
circling the sun |
The planets |
|
Verb-ed modifiers |
The book kept on the table belongs to my sister. |
kept on the table |
The book |
|
Prepositional phrases |
The engine of the car died down midway |
of the car |
The engine |
|
Relative Pronoun Modifiers |
The man who is standing behind the fence is my trainer. |
who is standing behind the fence |
The man |
For an example of verb-ing modifier, refer to the OG examples GMAT Prep example 3 in the article “Noun modifiers can modify slightly far away nouns”.