noun phrase

A phrase is a group of words that forms a unit simpler than a sentence. Unlike a sentence (or clause), a phrase normally does not contain both a subject and a finite (conjugated) verb.

A noun phrase is simply a noun (or pronoun) with its modifiers.

Examples of noun phrases

Noun phrases consist of a noun or pronoun modified by adjectives, phrases or even dependent clauses.

Noun or pronoun + adjectives

• two old shoes [noun shoes + adjectives two and old]
• many others [pronoun others + adjective many]

Noun or pronoun + prepositional phrase

• trucks with rusty fenders [noun trucks + prepositional phrase with rusty fenders]
• both of you [pronoun both + prepositional phrase of you]

Noun or pronoun + participle phrase

• workers delivering supplies [noun workers + present participle phrase delivering supplies]
• anyone delivering supplies [pronoun anyone + present participle phrase]

• cars made in Canada [noun cars + past participle phrase made in Canada]
• the ones made in Canada [pronoun ones + past participle phrase]

Noun or pronoun modified by an infinitive phrase

• popcorn to snack on [noun popcorn + infinitive phrase to snack on]
• something to snack on [pronoun something + infinitive phrase]

Noun or pronoun modified by a dependent clause

• clients who want this service [noun clients + clause who want this service]
• those who want this service [pronoun those + clause]

Note: We have said that a phrase normally does not contain a subject and verb. The exception is a phrase that contains a dependent clause as a modifier, because every clause has a subject and verb.