4. Noun Phrases
Definition:
A noun phrase is a group of words built around a noun (called the head noun) that works as a single noun unit.
Structure:
(Determiner) + (Adjective) + Noun + (Modifier)
Examples:
- The bright red car sped past.
- A group of students waited outside.
- Her old history book is missing.
Explanation:
- Determiner (the, a, her) introduces the noun phrase.
- Adjectives describe the noun.
- Modifiers can be prepositional phrases or relative clauses that add more information.
5. Noun Clauses
Definition:
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun within a sentence. It can act as a subject, object, or complement.
Common introductory words:
- that, what, whoever, whether, why, how, when, where
Examples:
- Subject: What you said is true.
- Object: I know that she is coming.
- Complement: The question is whether we will win.
6. Additional Notes on Nouns
6.1 Possessive Nouns
- Show ownership or relationship by adding ’s (apostrophe + s) or just an apostrophe for plural nouns ending in s.
Example:- Singular: The boy’s ball
- Plural: The girls’ dresses
6.2 Countable and Uncountable Nouns
- Countable nouns can be singular or plural and can be counted.
Example: One book, two books.
Uncountable nouns cannot be counted and usually do not have a plural form.
Example: Water, rice, information.