Expanded Noun Phrases: manatee
The Grammar Bit!
Read the three scintillating sentences opposite. They each contain one or more expanded noun phrases (bold). Effective expanded noun phrases should build description of nouns in a quick and precise way.
The most common way to do this is by adding one or more adjectives before the noun. e.g. ‘the paddleboard-sized manatee’ and ‘the gentle giants.’
You can also build description by adding a prepositional phrase (underlined) after the noun. e.g. ‘with scarred bodies’ and ‘in the blood-red kayak.’
With your talk partner, read the sentences again. Can you replace either the adjectives or the prepositional phrases with your own words?
Scintillating Sentences
1) The paddleboard-sized manatee was heading towards me.
2) As the motorboat passed overhead, the gentle giants with scarred bodies foraged for food on the riverbed.
3) The excited wildlife enthusiast in the blood-red kayak was nearing the hot spring where the manatees gathered.
Did you know?
While swimming, manatees will occasionally do flips underwater, roll around and even swim upside down!