Noun Phrase

A phrase is a collection of words without a subject or predicate. The phrase is the fundamental building block of English grammar.

A noun phrase is a group of words that perform the function of a noun.

Examples of Noun Phrase

Noun Phrase Definition

A noun phrase is a group of words that function as nouns. It can be a subject or object/complement of a verb.

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Noun Phrase Examples

  • The big, red apple on the table looks delicious.
  • The old, rusty bicycle in the garage needs to be fixed.
  • The tall, green trees in the forest provide shade on a hot day.
  • The glass half full is a more positive way to look at things.
  • The sound of music is soothing to the soul.
  • The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is just a myth.

Nouns and Noun Phrases

NounsNoun Phrases
Football is a good game.Playing football is a good game.
Reading is a good habit.Have you enjoyed reading this novel?
Your bed is ready.Early to bed is a healthy habit.

Uses of Noun Phrases

Noun Phrase as the subject of a verb

  1. The idea of travelling to space excites me.
  2. A group of students are studying in the library.
  3. Making a cake from scratch takes time and effort. 
  4. The decision to move to a new city is a big one. 
  5. The thought of starting a business is daunting but exciting. 
  6. The prospect of winning the lottery is unlikely but exciting. 
  7. A herd of cattle is grazing in the meadow.
  8. A collection of antique cars is on display at the museum.
  9. The fact that she had forgotten her keys was a major inconvenience.
  10. A swarm of bees is buzzing around the flowers in the garden.

Noun Phrase as the object of a verb

  1. I enjoy reading mystery novels.
  2. He hates eating vegetables.
  3. She loves watching romantic comedies.
  4. They dislike studying for exams.
  5. He is considering taking a vacation.
  6. They are considering adopting a dog.
  7. He has started taking yoga classes.
  8. She needs to buy a new phone.
  9. They enjoy hiking in the mountains.
  10. She has decided to quit her job.

Noun Phrase as the Subjective Complement

  1. The movie was a huge success.
  2. The cake tastes delicious.
  3. The weather seems nice today.
  4. The concert was a complete disaster.
  5. The painting looks beautiful in this light.
  6. The news was a shock to everyone.
  7. The cookies taste too sweet.
  8. The novel seems like a good read.
  9. The water feels cold.
  10. The car looks brand new after the wash.

Noun Phrase as the Objective Complement

  1. They named him the winner of the contest.
  2. The judge declared him guilty of the crime.
  3. We elected her president of the organization.
  4. The company appointed him as director of the department.
  5. They made him captain of the club.
  6. We elected him chairman of the board.
  7. She considers him a good friend.

Noun Phrases by Adding ‘and‘ between two Nouns

  1. Food and water are essential for human survival.
  2. The company is experiencing a shortage of employees and funds.
  3. Strength and endurance are required to complete this challenge.
  4. Light and shadow play key roles in photography.
  5. The museum houses a collection of art and artefacts from around the world.
  6. The relationship between teachers and students is important for academic success.
  7. The balance between work and play is crucial for a healthy lifestyle.
  8. Honesty and integrity are valued traits in any profession.
  9. The concert features a variety of music and dance performances.
  10. Health and wellness are becoming increasingly important in today’s society.

When Preposition sits between two Nouns to form a Noun Phrase

  1. The doctor gave a diagnosis of pneumonia to the patient.
  2. The politician has a reputation for honesty.
  3. The student received a grade of A on her paper.
  4. The company is looking for a candidate with experience in marketing.
  5. The author wrote a book on the topic of environmentalism.
  6. The musician composed a song about the theme of love.
  7. The teacher gave a lecture on the subject of history.
  8. The company is seeking candidates with knowledge of computer programming.
  9. The child has a fascination with the world of insects.
  10. The artist created a painting of the scenery of the countryside.
  11. The doctor prescribed treatment for the illness of the patient.
  12. The chef added a dash of spices for the flavour of the dish.

When Two Nouns are Placed Side by Side to Form a Noun Phrase

  1. The computer screen is cracked.
  2. His office desk is cluttered.
  3. The baby’s diaper is dirty.
  4. She wore a silk dress.
  5. The new car has leather seats.
  6. The kitchen table is made of oak.
  7. The dog’s leash is too short.
  8. The movie theatre is crowded.
  9. The beach sand is hot.
  10. The park bench is broken.
  11. The city streets are busy.
  12. The hotel room is spacious.
  13. The mountain trail is steep.
  14. The ice cream cone is melting.
  15. The flower garden is blooming.

Also, Read

Phrases

Phrases

Infinitives

Infinitives

Gerund

Gerund

Determiners

Determiners

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