NOUN PHRASE

Function of Noun Phrase

1. As Subject of a Verb

Let us look at the sentence:

The tall tree fell down in the storm.

In this sentence, the phrase 'the tall tree' functions as the subject of the verb 'tell' and is, therefore, a Noun Phrase.

2. As Object of a Verb

Let us look at the sentence:

I wish to see the Manager.

In this sentence, the phrase 'to see the Manager' functions as the object of the verb 'wish' and is, therefore, a Noun Phrase.

 As Complement of Verb

Let us look at the sentence:

Mr. James is a handsome man.

In this sentence, the phrase 'a handsome man' functions as the complement of the verb 'is' and is, therefore, functioning as a Noun Phrase.

4. An Object of Preposition

Let us look at the sentence:

Mohan is confident of winning the race,

In this sentence, the phrase 'winning the race' functions as the object of the preposition 'of' and is, therefore, functioning as a Noun Phrase.

5. As an Apposition to a Noun

Let us look at the sentence:

Ravi, an intelligent boy, cannot make such a mistake.

In this sentence, the phrase 'an intelligent boy' functions as the phrase in opposition to the noun 'Ravi' and is, therefore, a Noun Phrase.

EXERCISE

Underline the noun phrase in these sentences and state theirs functions

1. The tall tree fell down in the storm.

Grammatical name: noun phrase 'the tall tree'

It functions as the subject of the verb 'fell'

2. I wish to see the Manager.

Grammatical name: Noun phrase 'to see the Manager'

 It functions as the object of the verb 'wish'.

3. Mr. James is a handsome man.

4.  In this sentence, the phrase 'a handsome man' functions as the complement of the verb 'is' and is, therefore, functioning as a Noun Phrase.

5. Aliu is confident of winning the race.