Expanded Noun Phrases
An expanded noun phrase is a noun made more detailed by adding one or more adjectives before it, or a describing phrase after it, to give the reader extra information. In Year 5 English, pupils learn to expand noun phrases in both directions, turning a plain noun such as 'the castle' into 'the crumbling, ancient castle on the hill'. This technique adds description and precision to writing.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Start with a simple noun, for example the dog.
- Add one or more adjectives before the noun to describe it in more detail, for example the small, scruffy dog.
- Add a prepositional phrase or relative clause after the noun for extra information, for example with muddy paws.
- Use a comma correctly if you list more than one adjective before the noun.
- Check the expanded phrase still fits naturally into the sentence and does not repeat the same idea twice.
Worked example
Expand the noun phrase 'the forest' to include two adjectives before the noun and a describing phrase after it.
- Start with the simple noun phrase: the forest.
- Choose two adjectives that add detail: dark and ancient.
- Add them before the noun with a comma between them: the dark, ancient forest.
- Add a phrase after the noun for extra detail and combine everything into one phrase.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a English exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Expand the noun phrase 'the bridge' by adding two adjectives before the noun, punctuated correctly with a comma.
Identify the noun in this expanded noun phrase and describe two ways it has been expanded: 'The huge, snarling wolf, hidden behind the trees, watched the travellers.'
Write two sentences about a haunted house, each containing a fully expanded noun phrase with at least one adjective before the noun and a phrase after it. Underline the expanded noun phrase in each sentence.
Free printable worksheet
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