What is an expanded noun phrase?

Expanded noun phrases add detail about a noun. This makes your writing more descriptive and specific.

They often include a determiner, an adjective and a noun.

the dark tunnel

The determiner ‘the’ is followed by the adjective ‘dark’ which describes the noun ‘tunnel’.

Expanded noun phrases can also include additional information to give even more detail about the noun, such as where it is.

the dark tunnel leading into the hillside

They may also include conjunctions, pronouns, relative clauses and other word classes.

Look for expanded noun phrases in this story all about Malcolm and Felix exploring the Labyrinth of Lost Toys.

Expanded noun phrases are groups of words which add detail to nouns to make the description more specific.

An expanded noun phrase is not a sentence on its own but part of a sentence.

They usually include determiners, adjectives and the noun itself.

He finally found the colourful, old toy.

More complex expanded noun phrases can also include other word classes, such as prepositions, to give even more detail.

He finally found the colourful, old toy with a missing arm.

They can be built up to give as much detail as you wish.

He finally found the colourful, old toy with the missing arm which was under the dusty shelf.

Example 2

I spy

Choose any object in the room. Either write down or tell a friend a clue about the object.

Use expanded noun phrases to create your clues.

Here are some examples:

• I spy with my little eye a soft, stripy item on the sofa.

• I spy with my little eye that tiny, red object under the table.

• I spy with my little eye something shiny on the shelf.

See if your friend can guess the object from your detailed description.