Class 8 English Grammar: Noun Phrase

A Noun Phrase is a group of words which does the work of a noun.

1. Read the following sentences :
I want something
I want to read a book.
The word something is a noun and is object of the verb ‘want’, in sentence (a). In the same way, the group of words ‘to read a book’ is the object of the verb ‘want’ in sentence (if). The group of words ‘to read a book’, therefore does the work of a noun and is called a ‘Noun Phrase’.
 

Exercise 1
(Solved)
Pick out the noun phrases in the following sentences:
1. I wished to speak to the Principal.
2. He loves to talk to you.
3. I intend to work hard.
4. He dislikes having to go there.
5. Horses prefer living in a dark room.
6. I should hate having to punish him.
7. Have you ever tried using butter instead of oil ?
8. Thinking good thoughts precedes good actions.
9. He refuses to write anything.
10. Having dirty thoughts is disgraceful.
Answers:
1. to speak to the Principal
2. to talk to you
3. to work hard
4. having to go there
5. living in a dark room
6. having to punish him
7. using butter instead of oil
8. Thinking good thoughts
9. to write anything
10. Having dirty thoughts.

Exercise 2
(For Practice)
Supply a Noun Phrase:
1. I want ……..
2. ……… delights me.
3. You expect ………
4. Think ……
5. ……. seems true.
6. ………. surprised the teacher.
7. Does he like …….. ?
8. My brother hates ………..
9. ……… does not please me.
10. I do not want ………
11. ………. is not difficult.
12. ……. I do not hope
13. I enjoy …….
14. You want ……..
15. My dog likes ………
16. He promised ……..