Noun Phrases
What are noun phrases?
Noun phrases (grouping together a collection of words to act as one noun) are one of the keystones of academic writing.
Noun phrase is making the meaning of a noun more precise from the words immediately before (pre-modifying words) or after (post-modifying) it.
Two Types:
- Pre-modifying words are articles, quantifiers, adjectives and nouns.
- Post-modifying words are prepositional phrases and noun clauses.
1. Quantifiers
All, both, every, many, much, some, few, little, any, either, neither, none, each
Choose the correct quantifier:
i. Each / any / every of the buildings is surrounded by high security fencing.
ii. Every / both / much of the proposed bills were refused by the public.
ANSWERS: i. each / ii. both
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2. Adjective + Nouns
Identify the adjective + noun form:
Example:An experiment done on a small scale = a small-scale experiment
I. Unemployment over a long term can affect a person’s mental health.
___________________________________________________________________________
ii. An element of pay that is led by performance can be appropriate in some professions.
___________________________________________________________________________
ANSWERS: i. Long-term unemployment / ii. Performance-led pay
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3. Noun + Noun
Identify the noun+ noun form:
Example:Gas that comes from Shale = Shale gas
i. Systems that used for defence: ________________________________________________
ii. A manager who is in charge of accounts: ________________________________________
ANSWERS: i. defence system / ii. accounts manager
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4. Noun + Preposition Phrases
Put in the correct preposition:
Example: Public protests can sometimes lead to a change in the law.
i. A majority of those taking part expressed a preference_________ the conservative electoral system.
ii. Sustainable development should form the basis________ a corporate vision of the future.
ANSWERS: i. preference for / ii. basis for
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5. Noun + Noun Clauses
Noun clause: noun [fact] + that + noun phrase
The fact [noun] that the enquiry raises a number of serious issues [noun phrase] should surprise no one.
Put the underlined words into the correct order:
0. Wilson (2019) has hypothesis Mars criticized that the is able to sustain life.
___ Wilson (2019) has criticized the hypothesis that Mars is able to sustain life._____
i. Smith (2018) argues view that the there problems are against with the data system.
___________________________________________________________________________
ANSWERS: I. Smith (2018) argues against the view that there are problems with the data system
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Common nouns used in noun + noun clauses:
argument / announcement / assumption / belief / claim / conclusion / disposition / doubt / fact / effect / idea / possibility / proposition / view / warning /
Buy the Noun Phrases worksheet:
Noun Phrases Worksheet
This lesson is a worksheet to highlight what are noun phrases and provide valuable practice. It focuses on the key concepts of quantifiers, adjectives and nouns, noun + noun, noun + preposition and noun phrase combinations (see example). Level ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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