Noun phrases:

Noun phrases are made up of a noun and all its modifiers. It functions in a sentence as a subject, an object or even a compliment. Some noun phrases begin with an infinitive (to tell) and some with a gerund (telling).

In simpler words, a noun phrase refers to a group of words that play the role of a noun. Also, like all phrases, a noun phrase does not have a subject and a verb.

Let's take a look at a few examples that will help understand the meaning and use of a noun phrase better!

Examples:

1. Normal noun: The cat could not jump off the wall.

Noun phrase: The stout cat could not jump off the wall.

2. Normal noun: Return the book back to the library.

Noun phrase: Return the book back to the ancient library.

Exercise:

Identify which of the following is a noun phrase:

1. Green salad is a popular lunch here.
2. That boy wasn't worth the fun.
3. I love it when I stare blankly into the blue skies.
4. When would the ice cream man come?
5. The jeep failed to cross those murky waters.

Answers:

Noun phrases: 1, 3 and 5.

Verb phrase:

A verb phrase basically consists of a main verb as well as one or more helping verbs, its complements and objects. In simpler words, in English grammar, a verb phrase is a verb which is more than one word. This means that it includes one or more than one helping verb along with a main verb.

Examples:

1. Normal verb: She cycled quickly to school.

Verb phrase: She was cycling quickly to school.

2. Normal verb: These coins are worth hundreds of Rupees.

Verb phrase: These coins may be worth hundreds of Rupees.

Exercise:

Identify which of the following is a verb phrase:

1. My mother fixed us some dinner.
2. The professor is writing a report.
3. Those girls didn't try very hard.
4. You woke up everybody in the neighborhood.
5. Rita might eat the cake.

Answers: 2, 5.

When making an attempt towards learning a language, grammar is an automatic add on. Hence, you'll need to learn and understand all the aspects of both writing as well as speaking in English. It is crucial for you, at first, to start with the basics further proceeding to the intermediate level. Make sure to be a dedicated and self-motivated learner as nothing else could help take your spoken English skills to new heights.

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