Noun Phrases

Sam An Teng

Noun phrase is a group of words that has a noun as a head (or ends with a noun) preceded by all of its modifiers. In short, we can say:

Noun phrase = Modifier(s) + Noun

The modifiers can be modifying adjectives, modifying adverbs, determiners (articles, quantifiers, or possessives), or complements (prepositional phrase functioning as adjective).  Look at the examples below:

  • man (noun)
  • a man (noun phrase; the modifiers are in italic.)
  • a rich man (noun phrase; the modifiers are in italic.)
  • a very rich man (noun phrase; the modifiers are in italic.)
  • a very rich and clever man (noun phrase; the modifiers are in italic.)

  • house (noun)
  • his house (noun phrase; the modifiers are in italic.)
  • his beautiful house (noun phrase; the modifiers are in italic.)
  • his beautiful and expensive house (noun phrase; the modifiers are in italic.)
  • his very beautiful and expensive house (noun phrase; the modifiers are in italic.)

FUNCTIONS OF NOUN PHRASE

The same as noun, a noun phrase can function as subject, objects, complements, and appositives.

[1] Functioning as subject

  •  An experienced salesman is presenting his product.
  •  The high-end products suits his customers need.

[2] Functioning as direct object

  •  He is writing a long love story.
  •  They bought an expensive phone.

[3] Functioning as indirect object

  •  I've owed him some money.
  •  Can you do me a favor?

[4] Functioning as object of preposition

  •  I have known the man with black T-shirt.
  •  She left her shoes beside the pool.

[5] Functioning as subject complement

  •  They are hard-working employee.
  •  Angkor Wat is a marvelous building.

[6] Functioning as object complement

  •  We consider him a genius man.
  •  He appointed Thida his personal assistant.

[7] Functioning as appositive

  •  You young people should be involved in some social work.
  •  Kolab, the GM's secretary, is taking the meeting minute.
  •  I have talked to Robert, a business consultant.