Expanded Noun Phrases - Adjectives
What is an expanded noun phrase?
An expanded noun phrase gives more detail or information about a noun than a simple
noun phrase. This is usually done by adding adjectives to describe the noun in the
noun phrase.
Example: She walked through the dark, mysterious
mysterious forest
forest.
In this example, the expanded noun phrase is ‘the dark, mysterious forest’. The
adjectives have been used to expand the simple noun phrase (determiner
determiner and noun
noun).
They make the sentence more interesting as they help the reader to build an image in
their mind.
Read the following sentences. Underline or circle the expanded noun phrase in each sentence.
1 The brightly-coloured parrot flew through the canopy.
2 After his lunch, Harold ate a sweet, delicious chocolate brownie.
3 Under the waves, the stripy fish swam quickly through the reef.
4 In a forest clearing, a dark, mysterious jaguar sauntered by the water.
5 “Pass me the blue shoes please,” Mum asked Sophia.
6 As John sat at the bus stop, he saw three large, black cars go past.
7 “These strawberry yoghurts are out of date!” complained the customer
in the shop.
8 “Whose is this writing pencil?” asked the teacher as she held it in the air.
9 When he reached the top, the climber stared at the vast, breath-taking view.
10 Happy and elated, the winning team held their trophy in the air.
Page 1 of 2 visit twinkl.com
Expanded Noun Phrases - Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional Phrases
Another way to create an expanded noun phrase is to add a prepositional phrase.
A prepositional phrase usually includes a preposition, a noun or pronoun and may
include an adjective
behind the door beyond the mountain range under the wooden table
By using these to expand noun phrases, further information can be added and the
writing can be made more efficient.
Example: The man sat on the beach. He was wearing a red hat.
determiner and noun
This can be made more succinct by expanding the noun phrase (determiner noun)
with a prepositional phrase:
phrase
The man with the red hat sat on the bench.
Read the following sentences. Underline or circle the expanded noun phrase in each sentence
that has been expanded with a prepositional phrase.
1 Under the waves, the fish with the jagged fins swam swiftly through the reef.
2 The cat under the bush was drenched and shivering.
3 From the cave, a dragon with deadly claws came crashing out.
4 At the stables, Aisha chose to ride the horse with a black mane.
5 Charlie reached for the chocolates on the top shelf.
6 The wizard in the purple robe waved his magic wand and they all disappeared.
7 Jason had always known that the house adjacent to the park was occupied
by witches.
8 “Please pass me the keys from the top drawer,” Dad said to Brian.
9 Make sure you water the plant on the windowsill whilst we are gone.
Page 2 of 2 visit twinkl.com
Expanded Noun Phrases - Adjectives Answers
Read the following sentences. Underline or circle the expanded noun phrase in each sentence.
1. The brightly-coloured parrot flew through the canopy.
2. After his lunch, Harold ate a sweet, delicious chocolate brownie.
3. Under the waves, the stripy fish swam quickly through the reef.
4. In a forest clearing, a dark, mysterious jaguar sauntered by the water.
5. “Pass me the blue shoes please,” Mum asked Sophia.
6. As John sat at the bus stop, he saw three large, black cars go past.
7. “These strawberry yoghurts are out of date!” complained the customer in the shop.
8. “Whose is this writing pencil?” asked the teacher as she held it in the air.
9. When he reached the top, the climber stared at the vast, breath-taking view.
10. Happy and elated, the winning team held their trophy in the air.
Expanded Noun Phrases - Prepositional Phrases Answers
Read the following sentences. Underline or circle the expanded noun phrase in each sentence
that has been expanded with a prepositional phrase.
1. Under the waves, the fish with the jagged fins swam swiftly through the reef.
2. The cat under the bush was drenched and shivering.
3. From the cave, a dragon with deadly claws came crashing out.
4. At the stables, Aisha chose to ride the horse with a black mane.
5. Charlie reached for the chocolates on the top shelf.
6. The wizard in the purple robe waved his magic wand and they all disappeared.
7. Jason had always known that the house adjacent to the park was occupied by witches.
8. “Please pass me the keys from the top drawer,” Dad said to Brian.
9. Make sure you water the plant on the windowsill whilst we are gone.
visit twinkl.com
