NOUNS

How does a noun phrase differ from a noun?

Nouns denote persons, places, things, or ideas. Noun phrases contain one or more nouns. Within a sentence, noun phrases can be subjects, objects, or complements:

Nouns studies attributes people child, family boy, Bill

Noun Phrases Formal research studies identified ten attributes of highly adaptable people. The youngest child in the family was a boy named Bill.

Like nouns, noun phrases can also be the objects of prepositions:

for the complex experimental procedure

about the remaining six questions and answers

of the sequential program elements

What is the difference between a common noun and a proper noun?

A common noun is the general name given to a person, place, thing, or idea. A proper noun is the specific name of a particular person, place, thing, or idea.

Common Nouns doctor avenue volcano a theory

Proper Nouns Dr. William Sharp Third Avenue Mount St. Helens Pythagorean Theorem

Common nouns are not capitalized, while proper nouns are.

Do nouns denoting things that cannot be counted require singular or plural verb forms?

Nouns like furniture, meat, warmth and many others denote things that can't be counted. While neither singular or plural, they are usually followed by the singular form of a verb:

The furniture was quite dusty.

The meat is very tender.

The warmth of the fire permeates my entire body.

Do collective nouns require singular or plural forms of the verb?

Either singular or plural verbs may be used, since collective nouns e.g., jury, herd, team, family, committee-are plural in meaning but singular in form. Strict-usage suggests using a singular form of the verb. However, popular usage has made phrases like "A large number were . . ." and "The panel said they . . ." acceptable.