Understanding the various noun functions is an essential aspect of developing effective communication skills in written and spoken language. Nouns serve as the building blocks of sentences and they can function in different ways, depending on their role in a sentence. In this article, we will examine the eight noun functions and provide examples to help you better understand their use.
The 8 Noun Functions With Examples are nouns functioning as 1) subject, 2) direct object, 3) indirect object, 4) predicate nominative, 5) object of preposition, 6) an appositive, 7) objective complement, and 8) direct address.
8 Noun Functions – Table of Content
- Noun Functioning as Subject
- Noun Functioning as Direct Object
- Noun Functioning as Indirect Object
- Noun Functioning as Predicate Nominative
- Noun Functioning as Object of Preposition
- Noun Functioning as An Appositive
- Noun Functioning as Objective Complement
- Noun Functioning as Direct Address
8 Noun Functions With Examples
Let’s look at the 8 noun functions and how they work within a sentence.
1. Noun Functioning as Subject
Definition: The subject of a sentence tells us “who” or “what” about the verb in the sentence.
For example: David drives a truck to work everyday. We ask the question “who” to find the subject in this sentence. Who drives a truck to work everyday? David does.
For example: The truck crashed into the building due to brake failure. We ask the question “what” to find the subject in this sentence. What crashed into the building? The truck did.
Examples of Nouns Functioning as Subject
- The company developed a new product to help farmers combat weed infestation.
- A tornado destroyed all the new building on the northside of the city.
- The loud noise woke me up in the early hours of the morning.
- Jonathan finished building the house just before Christmas holidays.
- My sister wrote a book about gardening.
2. Noun Functioning as Direct Object
Definition: The direct object answers “who” or “what” after the action verb in a sentence.
For example: David gave the money to Jenny to buy the new car. We ask the question “what” to find the direct object in this sentence. David gave what? David gave the money.
For example: Rhonda comforted her husband after the death of his father. We ask the question “whom” to find the direct object in this sentence. Whom did Rhonda comfort? Rhonda comforted her husband.
Examples of Nouns Functioning as Direct Object
- Peter mowed the lawn on Saturday afternoon.
- Timothy bought his son a new car.
- The artist painted a masterpiece during his vacation in Europe.
- Our dog chased the ball while playing in the park.
- Jenny helped Silva during her recovery.
3. Noun Functioning as Indirect Object
Definition: An indirect object tells “to whom” or “for whom” the action is done.
For example: Rebekah gave Rachel the painting of her dog. We ask the question “to whom” to find the indirect object in this sentence. Rebekah gave the painting to whom? The answer is Rachel.
For example: Rebekah painted Rachel a picture of her dog. We ask the question “for whom” to find the indirect object in this sentence. Rebekah painted a picture of a dog for whom? The answer is Rachel.
Examples of Nouns Functioning as Indirect Objects
- Sally gave the students a test to prepare them for the exams.
- The doctor prescribed Jeremy some medication to alleviate his anxiety.
- The hostess poured the guests some wine.
- The school teacher showed the girls a new technique for sewing garments.
- Mrs Jones read her daughter a bedtime story.
4. Noun Functioning as Predicate Nominative
Definition: A predicate nominative always renames the subject and it follows a linking verb.
For example: Nathan is the principal of the new school. In this sentence, the principal renames the subject “Nathan.”
For example: Jacob is the captain of the football team. In this sentence, the captain renames the subject “Jacob.”
Examples of Nouns Functioning as Predicate Nominatives
- The new manager became a valuable asset to the company.
- Luke was the winner of the competition.
- Dad’s occupation is a lawyer.
- Mr Davison was the coach of our tennis team.
- Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.
5. Noun Functioning as Object of Preposition
Definition: The object of a preposition is the last word in a prepositional phrase.
For example: David drove the truck into the night. In this sentence, the object of the preposition “into” is “night.”
For example: Terry went fishing in the early hours of the morning. In this sentence, we have two prepositional phrases – “in the early hours” and “of the morning.” The object of the preposition “in” is “hours” and the object of the preposition “of” is “morning”.
Examples of Nouns Functioning as Objects of Prepositions
- Peter took the groceries into the house.
- The horse galloped around the track.
- James and John went fishing during the holidays.
- Rachel and Jonathan played ball in the park.
- The children went to the football game.
6. Noun Functioning as An Appositive
Definition: A noun functioning as an appositive explains a noun or pronoun that comes just before it.
For example: The movie, Toy Story, was my children’s favorite. In this sentence, “Toy Story” is in apposition to “movie.” “Toy Story” explains the topic of the movie.
For example: Jeremy, my brother, is an electrician. In this sentence, “my brother” is in apposition to “Jeremy.” “My brother” explains who Jeremy is.
Examples of Nouns Functioning as Appositives
- My sister, a doctor, is always busy at the hospital.
- Rebekah’s dog, Bailey, loves to play in the backyard.
- Stephine, a talented musician, played the piano beautifully at church on Sunday morning.
- Timothy, my teacher, is always encouraging us to do well at school.
- The little girl ran to Robert, her dad, for comfort during the noisy storm.
7. Noun Functioning as Objective Complement
Definition: An object complement follows a direct object and renames it.
For example: Our new coach appointed Peter team captain. In this sentence, the objective complement “team captain” renames the direct object “Peter.”
For example: Allan and Judy named their new home Chapel View. In this sentence, the objective complement “Chapel View” renames the direct object “home.”
Examples of Nouns functioning as Objectives of Complement
- Bruce appointed Allen CEO of the newly formed company.
- Susan considers her sister a talented musician.
- The judging panel declared Jennifer the winner.
- The people of America elected Trump president in 2016.
- We named our child David.
8. Noun Functioning as Direct Address
Definition: A noun functioning as direct address is used to address someone or something.
For example: People, it’s time to move on. In this sentence, the noun of direct address is “people.”
For example: Computer, what is the current location of the USS Enterprise? In this sentence, the noun of direct address is “computer.”
Examples of Nouns Functioning as Direct Address
- Captain, we have encountered a group of Romulan warbirds on an intercept course.
- Sir, could you please move your car?
- Ladies and gentlemen, the show begins.
- Members of the jury, you will need to reach a verdict soon!
- Officers, what is the situation at hand?
You can become a better writer and speaker if you understand how nouns work in sentences. By using nouns properly, you will be able to share your thoughts and ideas clearly. I hope the examples given will give you a better understanding of the 8 noun functions in English grammar.