Intermediate English Grammar for ESL Learners - Robin Torres-Gouzerh 2016
Noun phrases
1 The sentence
In formal spoken or written English, every sentence must be complete. The basic rule is that all sentences must have a subject (S), which can be a pronoun, a noun, or a noun phrase, and a verb (V), which can also be a verb phrase. In many cases, the verb can be followed by a direct object (O). Consider the following examples.
She works. (S) + (V)
Fish swim. (S) + (V)
The children played. (S) + (V)
The bus driver needs a break. (S) + (V) + (O)
My mother liked the movie. (S) + (V) + (O)
Every sentence must have a subject. The imperative sentence is an exception to this basic rule, because the subject, you, is understood. Imperative sentences are used to instruct someone to do something.
Go to class.
Pick up your mess, please.
Read objective newspapers.
Verbs that do not require a direct object are called intransitive verbs. Some common intransitive verbs are exist and rise. They are typically used with prepositional phrases, as illustrated in the following examples.
It is possible that life existed on Mars millions of years ago.
Black smoke rose from the burning tires.
Exercise 1.1 Rewrite each verb phrase as a complete sentence by adding a subject.
example Is a real bargain. That coat is a real bargain.
1. Were eating an Italian specialty.
2. Have worked in Austin for two years.
3. Purchased it last week.
4. Is awful.
5. Looks comfortable.
6. Went to the theater.
Noun phrases
The subject of a sentence can be a noun phrase, which can be simple or complex. The subject can be one word or a group of words that includes a noun together with other words that provide information about the noun. Some noun phrases can be quite complex. Consider the following sentences.
The boy went to the playground.
The lively boy went to the playground.
The lively boy next door went to the playground.
No matter how complex a noun phrase is, it still remains the subject of the sentence and determines the form of the verb. The verb in the sentences above is went.
Exercise 1.2 Underline the subject(s) in each sentence.
1. Children ought to be more careful.
2. Water is good for you.
3. Prague is an amazing and historic Eastern European city.
4. The furry, clean, calm cat slept on the couch.
5. The furry, clean, calm, black cat ran outside.
6. The furry, clean, calm, black cat with a scar jumped on the counter.
7. The big, ugly, dirty, brown bear with long ears and large claws attacked a hunter.
8. She read a magazine yesterday.
9. Peter went to the circus.
10. Lending money and giving too much advice can cause problems.