Noun phrase

Noun Phrase

A noun phrase is a group of words that work together as a noun in a sentence. It typically includes a noun (or pronoun) as the main word, along with modifiers such as determiners, adjectives, or other qualifiers that provide more information about the noun.

Structure of a Noun Phrase

A noun phrase can consist of:

• A single noun: Books
• A determiner + noun: The book
• An adjective + noun: Interesting book
• Determiner + adjective + noun: The interesting book

Examples:

• The red car sped past us. – Noun phrase: "The red car"
• My best friend lives in Canada. – Noun phrase: "My best friend"
• That big black dog barked all night. – Noun phrase: "That big black dog"

Functions of Noun Phrases

Noun phrases can function as:

• Subjects: The tall girl won the race.
• Objects: He saw a strange light.
• Complements: Her dream is to become a doctor.

Why Noun Phrases Matter

Noun phrases make writing more descriptive and informative. They allow writers to add details and clarity to the people, places, or things being discussed.