Noun Phrases and Noun Clauses

Noun Phrases

Definition:

A noun phrase is a group of words centered around a noun that acts as a single noun in a sentence.

Examples:

1. The tall man is my uncle.

2. She bought a beautiful red dress.

3. I saw several colorful birds in the garden.

4. The sound of the rain was soothing.

5. They visited a large group of tourists at the museum.

6. My best friend’s old bicycle needs repair.

7. We admired the bright stars in the sky.

8. He gave a bouquet of fresh flowers to his mother.

Noun Clauses

Definition:

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun within a sentence.

Examples:

1. What she said surprised everyone.

2. I don’t know where he lives.

3. That the earth is round is a fact.

4. Can you tell me who called earlier?

5. The problem is that we are late.

6. She believes that honesty is important.

7. We wonder whether the train will arrive on time.

8. Why he left early is still a mystery.

Summary:

1. What she said surprised everyone.
   Noun clause: “What she said” (functions as the subject of the sentence).
2. I don’t know where he lives.
   Noun clause: “where he lives” (functions as the object of the verb “know”).
3. That the earth is round is a fact.
   Noun clause: “That the earth is round” (functions as the subject of the sentence).
4. Can you tell me who called earlier?
   Noun clause: “who called earlier” (functions as the object of the verb phrase “tell me”).
5. The problem is that we are late.
   Noun clause: “that we are late” (functions as a complement to the subject “The problem”).
6. She believes that honesty is important.
   Noun clause: “that honesty is important” (functions as the object of the verb “believes”).
7. We wonder whether the train will arrive on time.
   Noun clause: “whether the train will arrive on time” (functions as the object of the verb “wonder”).
8. Why he left early is still a mystery.
   Noun clause: “Why he left early” (functions as the subject of the sentence).