Table of Contents
Introduction
This post will help English learners understand noun phrases, recognize their functions in sentences, and practice using them correctly. You’ll find a clear definition, examples, and two exercises with complete answers.
What Is a Noun Phrase?
A noun phrase (NP) is a group of words built around a noun or pronoun that acts as a single unit in a sentence.
A noun phrase can function as the subject, object of a verb, object of a preposition, complement, or appositive.
Noun Phrase Exercises With Answers
Exercise 1: Matching Noun Phrase Examples With Their Functions
Match each bolded noun phrase to its function in the sentence.
| Sentences | Functions |
|---|---|
| 1. The old wooden bridge collapsed during the storm. | a. Object of a preposition |
| 2. The children admired the colorful paintings. | b. Subject |
| 3. She placed the vase on the narrow glass shelf. | c. Object of a verb |
| 4. My dream is a quiet life in the countryside. | d. Complement |
| 5. Paris, the city of lights, attracts millions of visitors every year. | e. Appositive |
1 → b (subject)
2 → c (object of a verb)
3 → a (object of a preposition)
4 → d (complement)
5 → e (appositive)
2 → c (object of a verb)
3 → a (object of a preposition)
4 → d (complement)
5 → e (appositive)
Exercise 2: Identifying Noun Phrases and Their Functions
Identify the noun phrase(s) in each sentence below and state their function.
Example Sentences:
- The tall basketball player waved at the fans.
- A slice of chocolate cake would be perfect right now.
- We met an old friend from school.
- The heavy rain caused a huge traffic jam.
- She wants a new laptop for her studies.
- The sound of crashing waves relaxed everyone.
- The two young cats slept on the sofa.
- My little sister borrowed my favorite book.
- A group of tourists arrived early this morning.
- You should visit the National History Museum.
- That beautiful antique mirror belongs to my aunt.
- The broken gate needs urgent repair.
- Many students in our class passed the exam.
- The famous singer from Spain performed last night.
- Her idea of a holiday is a week at the beach.
- Please hand me the small red notebook.
- They built a shelter for the stray dogs.
- The new employee with the curly hair is very friendly.
- Our trip to Italy was unforgettable.
- The ingredients for the soup are on the counter.
1. The tall basketball player waved at the fans. → subject
2. A slice of chocolate cake would be perfect right now. → subject
3. We met an old friend from school. → object of the verb
4. The heavy rain caused a huge traffic jam. → first NP = subject; second NP = object of the verb
5. She wants a new laptop for her studies. → object of the verb
6. The sound of crashing waves relaxed everyone. → subject
7. The two young cats slept on the sofa. → subject
8. My little sister borrowed my favorite book. → first NP = subject; second NP = object of the verb
9. A group of tourists arrived early this morning. → subject
10. You should visit the National History Museum. → object of the verb
11. That beautiful antique mirror belongs to my aunt. → subject
12. The broken gate needs urgent repair. → first NP = subject; second NP = object of the verb
13. Many students in our class passed the final exam. → first NP = subject; second NP = object of the verb
14. The famous singer from Spain performed last night. → subject
15. Her idea of a holiday is a week at the beach. → first NP = subject; second NP = subject complement
16. Please hand me the small red notebook. → object of the verb
17. They built a shelter for the stray dogs. → object of the verb
18. The new employee with the curly hair is very friendly. → subject
19. Our trip to Italy was unforgettable. → subject
20. The ingredients for the soup are on the counter. → subject
2. A slice of chocolate cake would be perfect right now. → subject
3. We met an old friend from school. → object of the verb
4. The heavy rain caused a huge traffic jam. → first NP = subject; second NP = object of the verb
5. She wants a new laptop for her studies. → object of the verb
6. The sound of crashing waves relaxed everyone. → subject
7. The two young cats slept on the sofa. → subject
8. My little sister borrowed my favorite book. → first NP = subject; second NP = object of the verb
9. A group of tourists arrived early this morning. → subject
10. You should visit the National History Museum. → object of the verb
11. That beautiful antique mirror belongs to my aunt. → subject
12. The broken gate needs urgent repair. → first NP = subject; second NP = object of the verb
13. Many students in our class passed the final exam. → first NP = subject; second NP = object of the verb
14. The famous singer from Spain performed last night. → subject
15. Her idea of a holiday is a week at the beach. → first NP = subject; second NP = subject complement
16. Please hand me the small red notebook. → object of the verb
17. They built a shelter for the stray dogs. → object of the verb
18. The new employee with the curly hair is very friendly. → subject
19. Our trip to Italy was unforgettable. → subject
20. The ingredients for the soup are on the counter. → subject
Recap: Noun Phrases
Definition:
- A noun phrase is a group of words built around a noun or pronoun.
- It can function as a subject, object, object of a preposition, complement, or appositive.
- Understanding noun phrases helps learners build clearer, more precise sentences.
Functions of Noun Phrases:
- Subject: The tall student answered the question.
- Object of a Verb: She invited her new colleagues.
- Object of a Preposition: They sat near the small lake.
- Subject Complement: His dream is a peaceful life.
- Object Complement: They elected him team leader.
- Appositive: My friend, a talented musician, lives abroad.
More about noun phrases!
