Structures of a Noun Phrase

A noun phrase typically includes a noun (the head) and can have various modifiers before or after the noun. Below are the common structures of a noun phrase:

1. Head Only

• Structure: Noun

Example:

• Cats are adorable.
• Freedom is important.

2. Determiner + Noun

• Structure: Determiner + Noun

Example:

• The book is on the table.
• An apple fell from the tree.

3. Determiner + Modifier(s) + Noun

• Structure: Determiner + Adjective(s)/Adjective Phrase + Noun

Example:

• The red car is parked outside.
• A very tall building is under construction.

4. Determiner + Noun + Postmodifier(s)

• Structure: Determiner + Noun + Prepositional Phrase/Relative Clause

Example:

• The book on the table is mine.
• The man who lives next door is a doctor.

5. Modifier(s) + Noun

• Structure: Adjective(s)/Adjective Phrase + Noun

Example:

• Beautiful flowers bloomed in the garden.
• Happy children played in the park.

6. Noun + Complement

• Structure: Noun + That-Clause/Infinitive Phrase/Prepositional Phrase

Example:

• The idea that we should leave is sensible.
• The need to improve is urgent.

7. Compound Noun

• Structure: Noun + Noun

Example:

• Chocolate cake is my favorite.
• City Park is crowded today.

8. Determiner + Modifier(s) + Noun + Postmodifier(s)

• Structure: Determiner + Adjective(s)/Adjective Phrase + Noun + Prepositional Phrase/Relative Clause/Other Modifiers

Example:

• The big house on the hill is for sale.
• A small dog with a wagging tail followed us.

1. Simple Noun Phrase (Head Only)

• Books are interesting.

2. Complex Noun Phrase with Multiple Modifiers

• The very old book with a torn cover was found in the attic.

3. Noun Phrase with Relative Clause

• The man who repaired my car is very skilled.

By understanding these structures, you can analyze or construct a wide variety of noun phrases for both simple and complex sentences.