Syntax: Simple Noun Phrases

Noun Phrases (NPs) are headed by a noun and may include any modifying elements. They may consist only of a single noun: NP--> N Note that such NPs must be proper nouns, mass nouns, or plural count nouns. Singular count nouns in English require a determiner (Det) and may be modified by one or more adjectival phrases (AdjP), and/or prepositional phrases (PP). NPs usually appear in sentences as subjects, objects, and objects of a preposition. The basic formula for a noun phrase (with optional categories in parentheses) is: NP--> (Det) (AdjP) N (PP) Below you will find a list of simple noun phrases (which are followed by a sentence to give context for meaning).  Draw a tree for each phrase and then check your answer. Answers are in both simple and X-bar form. Note: Some professors/textbooks use AP to represent adjectival phrases.