Noun Phrase

What Are Noun Phrases?

Noun phrases are phrases that function in the same way as any other noun. Noun phrases are also called noun clauses.

A noun phrase always includes a noun, which is a person, place, or thing, or a pronoun, which takes the place of a noun. This pronoun can be a subject pronoun or an indefinite pronoun. Noun phrases also include words that modify the noun or set it apart, so we know which noun we are talking about.

First, let's take a look at a noun phrase that uses a regular noun:

The crazy brown dog went running through the mud.

The noun phrase in this sentence would be 'the crazy brown dog.' It tells us exactly which dog we are talking about.

This example uses a subject pronoun:

We who run the festival would like to thank the volunteers who helped with the event.

In this case, 'We who run the festival' is a noun phrase that begins with a pronoun. It tells us exactly who would like to thank the volunteers.

An indefinite pronoun is a non-specific pronoun; that is, it does not refer to a specific person, place, or thing. Examples of indefinite pronouns include anybody, everyone, everything, nothing, and someone. Here is an example using this type of pronoun:

The automobile accident damaged someone's new car.

In this sentence, the noun phrase is 'someone's new car.' It tells us which car we are talking about.

How do Noun Phrases Function in a Sentence?

Subject

Just like any other noun, a noun phrase can function as the subject of a sentence. Here is an example of a noun phrase that functions as the sentence's subject:

Playing in the rain is one of my nephew's favorite activities.

The phrase 'playing in the rain' serves as the subject of this sentence.

Direct Object

A noun phrase can also function as a direct object; that is, it receives the action of the verb and usually follows the verb. In the sentence below, the noun phrase functions as the sentence's direct object:

The tornado destroyed the stately old home surrounded by live oaks.

The phrase 'the stately old home surrounded by live oaks' is the noun phrase and receives the action of the verb 'destroyed.'

Complement

A noun phrase can also serve as a complement. The complement always follows a linking verb in a sentence and refers back to the subject. The linking verbs are:

• seem
• become
• any form of the verb 'be'

The forms of the verb 'be' include is, am, are, was, were, has been, is being, might have been and others.

Here is an example of a noun phrase that functions as the complement. Notice that the noun phrase follows the linking verb 'become.'

Ernest wants to become a successful entrepreneur.

In this case, 'a successful entrepreneur' is the noun phrase that follows the linking verb and complements the subject.

Why Use Noun Phrases?

Noun phrases can make your writing more interesting and are a good way to include additional descriptive information without creating a wordy sentence. Good writing is concise; that is, it is clear and brief. Expanded noun clauses (a noun with all its descriptive words) are a good way to add concise and useful descriptions to a sentence.