| noun phrase |
| Definition: A phrase that can act as the subject or object of a verb. It is usually headed by a noun or pronoun with associated determiners and modifiers. |
| Example:
In the following examples the noun phrases are bolded. (1) I love big red apples. (noun phrase as object) (2) The spooky atmosphere cast a spell on Dave. (noun phrase as subject) (3) Vancouver is a rainy paradise. (noun phrase as complement) |
| Oxford English Dictionary: The term's first citation is from 1951: "A *noun-phrase used predicatively." (Mind LX. 425) |
| Quotation:
"Frighten the boy is a Verb Phrase … consisting of the Verb … frighten and the Noun Phrase … the boy."
(Source: Noam Chomsky, Aspects of Theory of Syntax, ii. 63 (1965)) |