Expanded Noun Phrases: peregrine falcon
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 teardrop-shaped falcon.’
You can also build description by adding a prepositional phrase (underlined) after the noun. e.g ‘with razor-sharp talons’ and ‘at the top of a towering apartment block.’
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 teardrop-shaped falcon rocketed past the skier.
2) The crow-sized peregrine falcon, with razor-sharp talons, returned to its nesting site with a plump pigeon.
2) In a grimy gutter, at the top of a towering apartment block, the chicks were waiting for their mother to return.
Did you know?
Peregrine falcons can be found on every continent except Antarctica.