The structure of noun phrases

11 important questions on The structure of noun phrases

What are the main components of noun phrases and their roles?

Noun phrases consist of:
  1. Head noun - central part.
  2. Dependents - include:
  • Determiners - mark as definite or indefinite.
  • - Complements - clarify the relationship through phrases or clauses.
3. Modifiers - provide additional information.

What is the role of Determiners in noun phrases?

Determiners serve to:
  1. Mark noun phrases as definites or indefinites.
  2. Appear as:
  • Determinatives (e.g., almost all students).
  • - Genitive noun phrases (e.g., the girl's voice).

How does definiteness affect the use of noun phrases?

Definiteness helps identify referents by:
  1. Indicating known (definite) or unknown (indefinite) quantities.
  2. Using "the" as a marker of definiteness.
  3. Contextually clarifying meanings in sentences.
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What defines Complements in noun phrases?

Complements are defined by:
  1. Preposition phrases (e.g., review of the play).
  2. Subordinate clauses (e.g., idea that he might be ill).
  3. Clarifying relationships between nouns.

What are the characteristics of Determiners within noun phrases?

Characteristics of Determiners include:
  1. Found only in noun phrases.
  2. Can be determinatives (e.g., too few volunteers) or genitive noun phrases (e.g., my book).
  3. Mark nouns as definite or indefinite.

How do Complements function in noun phrases?

Complements function by:
  1. Providing essential information about the noun.
  2. Including specific preposition phrases (e.g., ban on alcohol).
  3. Incorporating subordinate clauses (e.g., opportunity to make friends).

What examples illustrate how to understand determiners as definite or indefinite?

Examples include:
  1. Definite: the Premier of NSW, this book.
  2. Indefinite: a politician, enough copies.
  3. Context influences clarity for indefinite phrases.

What typically constitutes a pre-Head Modifier?

Pre-Head Modifiers are usually:
  1. Adjectives
  2. Adjective phrases
Examples include a good book and a very serious matter.

Can nouns also serve as Modifiers to Head nouns?

Yes, nouns can function as Modifiers, such as in the phrases:
  1. a school play
  2. the unemployment situation.

What are typical examples of post-Head Modifiers?

Post-Head Modifiers mainly include:
  1. Preposition phrases
  2. Subordinate clauses
Examples: a man of honour, the house opposite the post office.

Where can Modifiers appear in relation to the Determiner?

Modifiers can precede the Determiner, such as in:
  1. all the books
  2. both these plays
  3. too small a car for our needs.

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