ctivnan
01/02/08, 02:18 PM
NOUN SUBSTITUTES
Other constructions can work as subjects. These are words, phrases, or clauses that perform the same job as a noun.
Main Types of Noun Substitutes
Infinitive Verb Phrases
An infinitive phrase is any verb preceded by the word 'to'.
e.g. To plan an overseas trip is something Lisa enjoys doing.
(The verb phrase 'to plan an overseas trip' works like a noun and acts as the subject of the sentence.)
Gerund Phrases
A gerund is a verb that ends in -ing and works as a noun. A gerund phrase is simply a gerund plus other words attached to it.
e.g. Planning an overseas trip is what Lisa loves doing every year.
(The gerund phrase 'planning an overseas trip' is the subject of the sentence.)
Prepositional Phrases
Most prepositions are direction or relationship words such as at, behind, inside, and toward. A prepositional phrase plus the noun or pronoun that follows it. Prepositional phrases can also work as subjects.
e.g. Before breakfast is a good time for a walk.
(The prepositional phrase 'before breakfast' is the subject of the sentence.)
Clauses
A whole clause can act as a subject within a larger clause.
e.g. What really amazes me is that J. K. Rowlings has made billions of dollars with Harry Potter.
(The noun clause 'what really amazes me' is the subject of the sentence.)
Source: Campbell, D. (1994). Better sentence-writing in 30 minutes. USA: Harper Collins College Publishers Trade.
Other constructions can work as subjects. These are words, phrases, or clauses that perform the same job as a noun.
Main Types of Noun Substitutes
Infinitive Verb Phrases
An infinitive phrase is any verb preceded by the word 'to'.
e.g. To plan an overseas trip is something Lisa enjoys doing.
(The verb phrase 'to plan an overseas trip' works like a noun and acts as the subject of the sentence.)
Gerund Phrases
A gerund is a verb that ends in -ing and works as a noun. A gerund phrase is simply a gerund plus other words attached to it.
e.g. Planning an overseas trip is what Lisa loves doing every year.
(The gerund phrase 'planning an overseas trip' is the subject of the sentence.)
Prepositional Phrases
Most prepositions are direction or relationship words such as at, behind, inside, and toward. A prepositional phrase plus the noun or pronoun that follows it. Prepositional phrases can also work as subjects.
e.g. Before breakfast is a good time for a walk.
(The prepositional phrase 'before breakfast' is the subject of the sentence.)
Clauses
A whole clause can act as a subject within a larger clause.
e.g. What really amazes me is that J. K. Rowlings has made billions of dollars with Harry Potter.
(The noun clause 'what really amazes me' is the subject of the sentence.)
Source: Campbell, D. (1994). Better sentence-writing in 30 minutes. USA: Harper Collins College Publishers Trade.