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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Cohesion & Coherence Worksheet – AEUK
This worksheet helps to consolidate what is ‘cohesion’ with a focus on pronouns, word forms and summary nouns. It also includes a coherence sheet on key connections and two practice activities [webpage]. Example Level: ***** [B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Parallelism Worksheet: Free Download
This worksheet provides an explanation of the key concepts of ‘parallelism’ and provides an error correction exercise to practise the key concepts. An awareness of this writing element really helps establish unity and readability in sentence structure [webpage]. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1]
Nominalisation (verbs to nouns)
An introduction to nominalisation. This worksheet shows the basics of nominalising, practices changing verbs to nouns, and includes three exercises from guided through to free practice. Good writing practice activity with a fair amount of challenge for all levels.. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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