PROCESS
The noun phrases
Noun phrases are used to refer to things. Speakers need to refer to people, objects, concepts, processes, and all kinds of entities, and noun phrases serve this function.
The main word of a noun phrase is a noun. Nouns can be simple form, realized as simple nouns as in: chairs, onions … Or they may be realized as pronouns: she, I they…
The structure of nouns phrases
The prepositional phrases
- Add modifying information to a word or clause.
- A prepositional phrase is compound by: a preposition + noun phrase.
Usually, prepositional phrases modify the noun which go with.
E.g. "The charming model in the changing room smelt of expensive perfume.
charming model modifies the noun model".
"perfume"modifies smelt so, like other modifiers, prepositional phrases adds details to sentences.
common prepositions.
Function of prepositional phrases
A prepositional phrases normally functions as an adjective or an adverb.
- As an adjective: They describe nouns. The prepositional phrases modifies the previous noun.
e.g."The shop round the corner is theirs".
What shop? The prepositional phrase describes the noun "shop".
- As an adverb, the prepositional phrases modifies a verb. They describe a verb and answer the questions how, why, or when.
e.g. "The cat jumped through the window"
How jump? The prepositional phrase specifies how jump: "through the window".
