Distinctive properties of nouns

4 important questions on Distinctive properties of nouns

What are the grammatical properties used to identify nouns?

To identify nouns, we examine three grammatical properties:
1. Inflection
- Exhibits contrasts of NUMBER and CASE
2. Function
- Serves as Head in noun phrases
3. Dependents
- Possesses specific dependents related to nouns

What are the inflectional contrasts present in nouns?

Nouns typically show inflectional contrasts in two main areas:
1. NUMBER
  • Singular (e.g., student)
  • - Plural (e.g., students)
2. CASE
  • Plain (e.g., student)
  • - Genitive (e.g., student's)

How do nouns function within clause structures?

Nouns can play several roles in clause structures:
1. Subject
- Example: [One student] was arrested.
2. Complement
- Example: They interviewed [all the students].
3. Complement of a preposition
- Example: Given by [a student].
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What types of dependents can occur with nouns?

Nouns can have specific types of dependents, including:
1. Certain Determinatives
- Examples: the student, a school
2. Pre-Head Adjectives
- Examples: mature students, a new book
3. Relative Clauses
- Examples: the student who directed the play

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo