What is an expanded noun phrase?
Expanded noun phrases give more detail about a noun by adding one or more adjectives.
A noun is a person, place or thing.
the bed
An adjective is a word that describes a noun.
comfortable
When you put them together, you make an expanded noun phrase.
the comfortable bed
You can use an expanded noun phrases in a sentence.
I slept on the comfortable bed.
Using expanded noun phrases to add detail
Let's join Tarun on his adventure in the forest and find some expanded noun phrases!
What is an expanded noun phrase?
An expanded noun phrase contains one or more adjectives to describe a noun.
A noun is a person, place or thing, and an adjective is a describing word.
a pretty flower
If you use two or more adjectives to describe the same noun, then you need to put a comma between them.
the big, old tree
An expanded noun phrase can also give extra information by telling the reader where the noun is.
a pretty flower in the forest
An expanded noun phrase isn't a sentence by itself - it is just part of a sentence.
They found the bike next to the big, old tree by the house.
Example 1
Choose the best adjectives from the list to describe the nouns in the sentences below.
Tarun was a ________ tiger who always got up early. He liked to go for a ________, ________ walk in the forest.
Words
big
long
young
✓ Here are the sentences with the correct adjectives.
Tarun was a young tiger who always got up early. He liked to go for a big, long walk in the forest.
Remember, when you use more than one adjective in an expanded noun phrase, you need to add a comma between them.
Example 2
When an expanded noun phrase has two adjectives next to each other, they need a comma in between.
Which of these expanded noun phrases uses a comma correctly?
a) Tarun’s mum told him to go for a big, long walk.
b) Tarun played a quick fun game in the, bright sunny forest.
✓ Here is the sentence with the correct use of a comma.
a) Tarun’s mother told him to go for a big, long walk.
This sentence is correct because the comma sits between the two adjectives 'big' and 'long'.
Task
Penny the penguin
Your turn to write your own version of the story.
Choose a different setting and a new main character.
You could write about a penguin who visits an ice house because they can smell hot chocolate.
Try to include lots of expanded noun phrases in your story.
the clumsy, lovable penguin
Use your imagination and get creative!
Karate Cats English game! game
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