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Noun phrases: uses

Subjects and objects​

We most typically use noun phrases as the subjects (s) and objects (o) of clauses (io = indirect object; do = direct object):

  • [S] My father wants to buy [DO] a new car.
  • [S] The agency gave [IO] him [DO] a few numbers to ring.
See also
  • Subjects
  • Objects

Prepositional phrases​

Noun phrases (underlined) are also used as part of prepositional phrases(in bold). They act as the complement of the preposition:

  • My parents gave me a mountain bike for my birthday*.*
  • The coffee cups go in the top cupboard*; the plates can just go* on the worktop*.*

Adjuncts​

Noun phrases also occur as adjuncts (ad) in some time expressions:

  • [S] I saw [O] George [AD] last week at the planning meeting.

These include expressions such as next year, this Thursday, most days, some years, one day, some day, the Monday before last, the day after tomorrow.

See also
  • Adjuncts
  • Noun phrases