Understanding how a noun functions in a sentence helps understand how to use it.
Can you explain the function of the bolded nouns that are used in the following sentences?
The majority of noun errors are caused by the incorrect positioning of nouns in a sentence. What influences the position of nouns? Their position changes based on the function the noun takes in a sentence.
Subject
This is a noun followed by a verb.
The Learning Centre provides free tutoring.
The Learning Centre is inside the library.
Direct object
This is a noun that receives the action of a transitive verb.
John drank a glass of milk.
John’s room has a musky scent.
Indirect object
This is a noun that precedes a direct object. It can be found by asking who or what received the direct object:
We can give him a card.
John sent his friend an envelope.
Object of Preposition
This is a noun that follows a preposition.
John drank a glass of milk
Kathy works at the college.
Predicate nominative
This is a noun that follows a linking verb that restates or stands for the subject.
John’s sister is the leader of the group.
It was an apple.
Appositive
This is a noun that is located directly after the noun it identifies.
Kathy, John’s sister, is ten years old.
John is finishing his business assignment, a group project.
You can find more information and practice with noun positions in the resource boxes to the right.
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