Explore Noun Phrase Examples with a Sorting Activity

As teachers, we encourage our students to be as descriptive as possible in their writing. One way to be more descriptive is to use expanded noun phrases. Expanded noun phrases are phrases that describe a head noun using multiple adjectives. But there’s a catch! When using adjectives to describe nouns, there are rules that must be followed in regards to adjectival order! This is called the “Royal Order of Adjectives.” When adjectives are placed in the wrong order before a noun, the noun phrase sounds… well…. wrong!

In this sorting activity, students are presented with a range of noun phrases containing multiple adjectives. Their task is to decide whether the order of adjectives is correct or incorrect, then place the card under the matching sort heading. This helps reinforce students’ knowledge of how adjectives describing quantity, opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material and purpose should appear in conventional order.

This noun phrase examples sorting activity downloads as a full-color PDF or editable Google Slides file. It contains:

• Instruction page
• 2 x sort headings (Correct and Incorrect)
• 24 x noun phrase example cards
• Recording sheet 
• Answer key 

Classroom Games to Reinforce the Noun Phrase

This noun phrase sorting activity can also be used for a variety of whole-class games to engage your students in their learning. Here are some ideas for how you might use these cards in your classroom:

• Human Sort – Label one side of the classroom “Correct” and the other side as “Incorrect.” Read out one of the noun phrase cards. Have the students move to one side of the classroom. After everyone has moved, review as a class and discuss why the noun phrase is correct or incorrect.
• Relay Race – Split the students into two teams. Place the noun phrase cards at one end of the classroom and the two sort labels at the other. One student from each team runs to pick a card, reads it aloud and then races to place it under the correct sort heading. The next teammate repeats the process. The first team to sort all their cards correctly wins!
• Show Me! – Provide students with mini whiteboards and whiteboard markers. Choose a noun phrase card and read it aloud. Students must write either “Correct” or “Incorrect” on their whiteboards. After everyone has written their response, say “Show Me!” Quickly scan responses, then pick a few students to explain their choices. Points could be awarded for correct answers.

Download to Explore Noun Phrases

Are you ready to get your hands on this noun phrases resource? Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the printable PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file before accessing it.

We recommend printing this resource on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access, and you’re ready to go!

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More for Teaching the Nominal Phrase

If you’re keen for more resources to use when teaching the nominal phrase to your students, then you’re in luck! Click below for more teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to complement your ELA planning.

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