Noun Phrases
What Are Noun Phrases? (with Examples)
A noun phrase is a phrase that plays the role of a noun. The head word in a noun phrase will be a noun or a pronoun. In the examples below, the whole noun phrase is shaded and the head word is in bold.- I like singing in the bath.
- I know the back streets.
- I've met the last remaining chief.
- I like it.
- I know them.
- I've met him.
Like any noun, a noun phrase can be a subject, an object, or a complement.
Examples of Noun Phrases
Noun phrases are extremely common. A noun with any sort of modifier (including just a number or an article) is a noun phrase. Here are some examples of noun phrases:- The best defense against the atom bomb is not to be there when it goes off. (Anon) (In this example, there is a noun phrase within a noun phrase. The noun phrase the atom bomb is the object of the preposition against. The prepositional phrase against the atom bomb modifies defense.)
- I don't have a bank account, because I don't know my mother's maiden name. (Paula Poundstone) (In this example, both noun phrases are direct objects.)
- The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it. (Dudley Moore, 1935-2002) (In this example, the first noun phrase is the subject, and the second is a subject complement.)
- Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. (Albert Einstein, 1879-1955)
A Quick Test
NOUN CLAUSES, NOUN PHRASES, AND SINGLE WORDS
Not all grammarians agree on the definitions of clauses and phrases. For some, the term phrase covers everything. In other words, for them, a clause is a type of phrase, and a single word is just a short phrase. Here at Grammar Monster, we go with the following:
Not all grammarians agree on the definitions of clauses and phrases. For some, the term phrase covers everything. In other words, for them, a clause is a type of phrase, and a single word is just a short phrase. Here at Grammar Monster, we go with the following:
- Single Word. A single word is not a phrase.
- Phrase. A phrase plays the role of one part of speech and has at least two words.
- Clause. A clause plays the role of one part of speech and has a subject and a verb. (Note: On occasion, the subject may be implied.)
- Anybody who wants the presidency so much that he'll spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office. (David Broder)
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