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English

Expanded noun phrases

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Expanded noun phrases

​​In a nutshell

Expanded noun phrases give more detail or information about a noun. An expanded noun phrase is usually made by adding one or more adjectives to describe a noun. In this summary, you'll learn how to spot expanded noun phrases and use them in your own writing.



Adjectives

An adjective is a word used to describe a noun. Adding adjectives to describe a noun and create an expanded noun phrase makes your writing more interesting and varied. Remember to separate multiple adjectives in a list using commas. In these examples the expanded noun phrase is in bold ​and the adjectives are underlined.


Examples
  • Suddenly Lin spotted the small, ginger cat.
  • Surely that big, old, green tent will fit the four of us.
  • Have you seen those multi-coloured fish?
  • Beth ate a chocolatey cookie.



Prepositions

A preposition describes where a noun is in relation to something else. Expanded noun phrases can also add more detail using prepositions to describe where a noun is. In these examples the prepositions are underlined.


Examples
  • Guido reached for the shoes under his bed.
  • The man in the fancy suit showed us to our seats.
  • Lara knew that the brown dog with the blue collar belonged to her neighbour.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQs

  • Question: Can expanded noun phrases include prepositions?

    Answer: Yes. Expanded noun phrases can also add more detail using prepositions to describe where a noun is.

  • Question: Do I need to separate adjectives with commas in an expanded noun phrase?

    Answer: Yes. Multiple adjectives in an expanded noun phrase should be separated by commas.

  • Question: What is an expanded noun phrase?

    Answer: Expanded noun phrases give more detail or information about a noun, they are made by adding one or more adjectives to describe a noun.

Theory

Exercises

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