Noun Phrases
What Is It?
A noun phrase (NP) centres on a noun or pronoun plus its modifiers and acts as a single noun: [Det] + (Adj) + N + (PP) → “The critical production database failed.”
Why Use Noun Phrases?
- Compression — groups complex info neatly.
- Clarity — makes abstract ideas tangible.
- Focus — lets you spotlight key entities.
When to Choose Noun Phrases
Design specs, changelogs (“This security patch fixes X”), ticket titles.
Forming Noun-Phrase Sentences
| Role | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | NP + V | “The new caching layer reduced load.” |
| Object | V + NP | “QA examined all failing tests.” |
| Complement | Be + NP | “The culprit was an outdated library.” |
Tips for Writing with Noun Phrases
- Lead with the head noun early.
- Prune stacked modifiers (> 3 words) for readability.
- Use appositives sparingly (“Grafana, our monitor, …”).
- Align singular/plural verb agreement.
Exceptions & Nuances
Pronouns alone count as NPs. Avoid unclear “this/that” without a noun (dangling demonstratives).