UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI
Maiduguri, Nigeria
CENTRE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
ARTS
ENG 206:
UNIT: 2
THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
ENG 206 – THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
Published
UNIT: 2
2007©
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any
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This text forms part of the learning package for the academic
programme of the Centre for Distance Learning, University of
Maiduguri.
Further enquiries should be directed to the:
Coordinator
Centre for Distance Learning
University of Maiduguri
P. M. B. 1069
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This text is being published by the authority of the Senate, University
of Maiduguri, Maiduguri – Nigeria.
ISBN:
978-8133-
ii
CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
ENG 206 – THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
UNIT: 2
PREFACE
This study unit has been prepared for learners so that they can do
most of the study on their own. The structure of the study unit is
different from that of conventional textbook. The course writers have
made efforts to make the study material rich enough but learners need
to do some extra reading for further enrichment of the knowledge
required.
The learners are expected to make best use of library facilities and
where feasible, use the Internet. References are provided to guide the
selection of reading materials required.
The University expresses its profound gratitude to our course writers
and editors for making this possible. Their efforts will no doubt help
in improving access to University education.
Professor J. D. Amin
Vice-Chancellor
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CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
ENG 206 – THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
UNIT: 2
HOW TO STUDY THE UNIT
You are welcome to this study Unit. The unit is arranged to
simplify your study. In each topic of the unit, we have introduction,
objectives, in-text, summary and self-assessment exercise.
The study unit should be 6-8 hours to complete. Tutors will be
available at designated contact centers for tutorial. The center expects
you to plan your work well. Should you wish to read further you could
supplement the study with more information from the list of
references and suggested readings available in the study unit.
PRACTICE EXERCISES/TESTS
1. Self-Assessment Exercises (SAES)
This is provided at the end of each topic. The exercise can help
you to assess whether or not you have actually studied and understood
the topic. Solutions to the exercises are provided at the end of the
study unit for you to assess yourself.
2. Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA)
This is provided at the end of the study Unit. It is a form of
examination type questions for you to answer and send to the center.
You are expected to work on your own in responding to the
assignments. The TMA forms part of your continuous assessment
(C.A.) scores, which will be marked and returned to you. In addition,
you will also write an end of Semester Examination, which will be
added to your TMA scores.
Finally, the center wishes you success as you go through the
different units of your study.
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CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
ENG 206 – THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
UNIT: 2
INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
In this course, you will be introduced to the grammatical
concept of ‘group’, especially of the noun class types and
functions in the sentence. The relationship of type and functions,
between the noun and the nominal group, in the sentence, will
therefore be vividly exemplified.
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UNIT: 2
ENG 206: THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH:
2 UNITS
T A B L E O F C O N T E N TS
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PREFACE
HOW TO STUDY THE UNIT
INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
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SOLUTION TO EXERCISES
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UNIT: 2
T O P I C 1:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TOPIC:
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SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
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REFERENCE
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SUGGESTED READING
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1.0
TOPIC: THE NOMINAL GROUP
1.1
INTRODUCTION
UNIT: 2
In this topic, we shall introduce you to the basic
concepts of ‘group’ in grammar [especially Systemic] and
the link between nouns and nominal groups.
1.2
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
i.
Explain the grammatical term ‘group’
ii.
Explain the relationship between nouns and
nominal groups
iii. Exemplify nominal groups.
1.3
IN TEXT:
1.3.1
WHAT IS GROUP?
In everyday usage, the word ‘group’ means a set or
collection of items or things, brought together by either some
features or purposes they have in common. Accordingly, certain
kinds of animals could be living together because they are of the
same specie; some people could be brought together by some
common purpose; a shoal of fish, a pride of lions, a family of
five, a chamber of lawyers, etc. Each of these examples
highlights a ‘group’.
In grammar [especially the systemic model], ‘group’ is a
term referring to a sequence of words which belong together or
function together as one unit in a sentence [Boadi, et al, 1968]. A
group can be made up of one or more words, the syntactic
functions of which correspond to those of one of the parts of
speech. If the group functions like a noun, it is called a nominal
group; if it functions like a verb, it is called a verbal group, and
so on.
One of the criteria for establishing or identifying a group is
‘substitution’ [Halliday, 1973]. That is, if one word or group of
words can be exchanged for another in a sentence, without
changing the grammatical class of the first word or group so
exchanged, then the two words or groups are said to belong
together and are of the same group. For example:
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ENG 206 – THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
NOMINAL GROUP
Those very pretty little girls
Very pretty little girls
Pretty little girls
Little girls
The girls
Girls
UNIT: 2
VERBAL GROUP
have been singing.
have been singing.
have been singing.
have been singing.
have been singing.
have been singing.
The first column in the table above shows a set of entries,
each comprising a different number of words. The first entry has
five words and the last one has only one word. Because all the
six entries perform the same function of ‘subject’ in the
sentence, and because only a noun [or pronoun] is normally
known to perform such a function, each of the six entries
qualifies for the term nominal group.
1.3.2
NOUN -- NOMINAL GROUP
By now, you must have realized that the word ‘nominal’ is
derived from the word ‘noun’. Thus, any group that behaves like
or performs the roles/functions of a noun in the sentence, can be
called a nominal group. A nominal group may consist of only one
word [mostly a noun] or more than one word [a noun or
pronoun, with other words].
The man is here.
He is our new teacher.
His name is Musa.
His colleagues call him Kallamu.
Each of the four sentences above contains one or more
nominal groups; the nominal groups perform different functions
[of noun] in the sentences. Such functions will be explained in
detail in Topic 3.
1.4
SUMMARY
In this unit, you have been introduced to the grammatical
concept of ‘group’, its application to the noun class of words, and
which in turn generates a group type known as nominal group.
1.5
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISES
1.
What is a ‘group’ in grammar?
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ENG 206 – THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
2.
3.
1.6
UNIT: 2
What is the difference between a group and a word in
the sentence?
Compare a noun and a nominal group.
REFERENCES
Boadi, L.A., Grieve, D. W. and Nwankwo, B. [1968],
Grammatical Structures and its Teachings, Ibadan,
African
University Press.
Halliday, M.A.K. [1973], Exploration in the Functions of
Language, London, Edward Arnold.
1.7
SUGGESTED READINGS
Any book on Systemic Grammar
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UNIT: 2
T O P I C 2:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS -
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SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
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REFERENCE
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SUGGESTED READING
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2.0
TOPIC: STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
2.1
INTRODUCTION
UNIT: 2
In Unit 1, general explanations and examples have
been given to you on ‘group’ and ‘nominal group’. This
topic will introduce you to the fundamental elements that
make up the nominal group. It will highlight the main
categories of those elements; the sequence in which they
occur within the nominal group and the minute items that
occur within each main category.
2.2
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
i.
Identify the main elements of the nominal
group;
ii.
Identify the smaller items that make up each
element;
iii. Recognize the sequences in which elements
occur within different types of nominal group;
iv.
Analyse various types of nominal group.
2.3
IN TEXT:
2.3.1
HEADWORDS [H]
As the name indicates, the headword [abbreviated as H] is
the most essential of the main elements of the nominal group
structure [Martin, 1992]. Since the nominal group derives its
group type from the class of word known as ‘noun’, the usual
headword of nominal groups is the noun [or pronoun]. In
analysis of any nominal group type, the headword is simply
labelled with H above it. Examples of noun headwords are:
H
a
ball
the
those
H
ball
H
men
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UNIT: 2
In the absence of noun, other classes of word that may
serve as headwords are:
Pronouns
H
something delicious
H
somebody stupid
H
he
in that house
H
They that are laughing
Adjectives
But here, such a headword occurs as plural, not singular. In
a sentence, such a headword is given a plural verb, not singular.
the
H
poor [means: the poor people, not person]
the
H
rich
the
H
meek
Cardinal Numerals
H
this one
H
those two
H
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UNIT: 2
one of them
H
two of us
Ordinal Numerals
Whereas ‘cardinal numerals’ are words used in counting,
‘ordinal numerals’ are words used in listing things according to
the time of their occurrence. Such ordinals also function as H in
nominal groups.
the
H
second
H
this third
H
each tenth
a
H
first
The five word classes outlined above constitute the items
that occupy the ‘headword’ position in the structure of a nominal
group. As stated earlier, the headword is most essential element
in the structure of the nominal group.
2.3.2
MODIFIERS [M]
Modifiers [abbreviated as M] are all those words that occur
before the headword in the nominal group structure. As their
name indicates, they are words that generally modify some
meaning in the headword. However, whereas only the noun is
considered the basic word within the headword slot, words from
each of the following classes of word can serve as modifier:
Articles
Either definite or indefinite articles:
m
a boy
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UNIT: 2
m
an apple
m
the boy
Adjectives
m
green
books
m
wise
kings
m
tall
man
Demonstrative Adjectives
m
this house
m
that tree
m
those pots
Possessive Adjectives
m
my house
m
your car
m
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UNIT: 2
his wife
m
their teacher
Distributive Adjectives
Distributive adjectives apportion or distribute things into
variable amounts or shares.
m
both brothers
m
any
school
m
many
schools
m
each brother
Interrogative Adjectives
Such adjectives are used to ask questions.
m
which
one
m
what
question
m
what
news
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UNIT: 2
Cardinal Numerals
m
one
nation
m
two
regions
m
six
zones
Ordinal Numerals
m
the second winner
m
first prizes
m
fifth
Nouns
m
Musa’a
m
water
m
trade
doors
farm
pots
unions
Thus, there are nine word classes functioning as modifiers
within the nominal group structure.
2.3.3
QUALIFIERS [Q]
Qualifiers, like modifiers, are optional members of the
nominal group family. In sequence or order of occurrence,
qualifiers occur after the headword, in order to limit or expand
some meaning in the headword [Bloor and Bloor, 1995]. Items of
the following categories function as qualifiers.
Adjectives
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M
the
H
president
Q
elect
H
mother
Q
superior
H
love
Q
divine
H
God
Q
Almighty
Adverbs
M
the
H
guest
Q
M
the
H
visitor
Q
outside
M
the
H
one
Q
there
inside
Nouns
H
King
Q
Mai Madu
H
Audu
Q
the farmer
H
President
UNIT: 2
Q
Obasanjo
Reflexive Pronouns
H
Q
you
yourself
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H
they
H
we
UNIT: 2
Q
themselves
Q
ourselves
Prepositional Phrase
Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition followed by
its object [mostly nouns].
M
that
H
spoon
Q
in the cup
M
a
H
letter
Q
for you
M
a
H
plot
Q
against him
Infinitive Phrase
Infinitive verbs are verbs that begin with the word ‘to’.
That kind of verb together with its objects or complements forms
the infinitive phrase. The infinitive phrase too functions as a
qualifier:
M
the
H
book
Q
M
the
H
book
Q
M
the
H
Q
number
to dial carefully
M
the
H
Q
number
to read
to read daily
to carefully dial
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UNIT: 2
Participial Phrases
Participial verbs are [i] present participle: verbs ending
with ‘ing’ and not preceded by auxiliaries [eg: going, doing,
singing, etc]: [ii] past participle [eg: given, gone, done, written,
seen, etc]. Such verbs, together with their complements, can
function as qualifiers.
M
the
H
lady
Q
singing
M
the
H
man
Q
writing
M
the
H
song
Q
sung
M
the
H
letter
Q
written
M
the
H
lady
Q
singing loudly
M
the
H
letter
Q
written carefully
Clauses
A clause is a group of words that contains a finite verb; a
finite verb is a verb that clearly indicates feature like tense,
number and person of its subject. Clauses perform various
functions in the sentences or groups. One of such functions in
groups is the qualifier in nominal groups [Adejare and Adejare,
1996].
M
the
H
man
Q
who teaches ENG 206
M
the
H
letter
Q
that was written yesterday
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M
the
H
one
UNIT: 2
Q
which came to my mind
Thus, there is a total of eight categories of words and
groups of words that function as qualifiers within the nominal
groups. One other point that needs to be specified is that each of
the items that come before the headword is labelled m, and all
the items that follow the headword are collectively labelled with
Q:
m m
a very
2.4
m
H
tall man
Q
who teaches ENG 206
SUMMARY
This topic has introduced you to the three main
elements of the nominal group structure, wherein the
modifiers [M] and qualifiers [Q] serve as optional
elements, and the headword [H] serve as a necessary
element. Under each of those three elements, words of
various categories serve as constituents.
2.5
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISES
1.
2.
2.6
Give five different examples of a nominal group.
Give two-two examples, each containing different
items, for M, H and Q respectively.
NB: No example is to be taken from this course unit.
REFERENCES
Adejare, R. A and Adejare, O. [1996]. Tertiary English
Grammar,
Lagos, Difamo Books.
Bloor, T. and Bloor, M. [1995], The Functional Analysis of
English,
London, Edward Arnold.
Martin, J. R. [1992], English Text: System and Structure,
Amsterdam,
John Benjamins.
2.7
SUGGESTED READINGS
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UNIT: 2
Halliday, M. A. K, and Martin, J. R [eds] [1981], Readings in
Systemic Linguistics, London, Batsford.
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UNIT: 2
T O P I C 3:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGES
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TOPIC:
SYNTACTIC FUNCTIONS
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INTRODUCTION -
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OBJECTIVES
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SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
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REFERENCE
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SUGGESTED READING
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3.0
TOPIC: SYNTACTIC FUNCTIONS
3.1
INTRODUCTION
UNIT: 2
In Units 1 and 2, we have emphasized the fact that
both the concept of group and group type are established by
headword of the group as well as by the particular function of
that group in the sentence. If a group functions or behaves
like a noun in a sentence, then it can be seen as a nominal
group. In this topic, we are going to look at such functions of
the nominal group in sentences, in detail.
3.2
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
i.
Identify and establish all the functions of
nouns and [by extension] nominal groups
in sentences.
ii.
Give your own examples of such functions.
iii. Identify such functions in given passages.
3.3
IN TEXT:
3.3.1
SUBJECT
The best known function of a nominal group in the
sentence is the subject:
The visitor outside is Musa.
Musa is the visitor outside.
The visitor outside needs some water.
The letter that was written yesterday has arrived.
Mua has arrived.
3.3.2
DIRECT OBJECT
The thing that directly feels the effect of the action
expressed by the main verb of the sentence is called a direct
object. Nominal groups also function as direct objects in
sentences.
I have sent the letter written yesterday.
She has received the letter that was written yesterday.
He bought that book on the table yesterday.
He bought a book.
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3.3.3
UNIT: 2
INDIRECT OBJECT
Indirect Objects usually come immediately after the
main verb and before the direct object. Whereas the direct
object directly feels the effect of the action expressed by the
verb, the indirect object benefits from that action.
We sent our village head a short letter.
[cf: We sent a short letter to our village head.]
He always buys his children some presents.
I have brought you some news.
3.3.4
SUBJECT COMPLEMENT
Subject complements usually follow linking verbs or
verbs of being [eg: is, am, was, etc], in order to describe the
subject.
He is the man who teaches ENG 206.
He is a farmer.
They were prisoners twenty year ago.
NOTE: Nouns or nominals following verbs of being can
function as subject complements. Another class of words that
may function as such is the adjective:
He is wise.
She is beautiful.
This should not be confused with nominal subject
complements. Adverbials too may follow the verbs of being:
He is here. [adverbial of place]
He is in that room. [adverbial of place]
Such adjectival subject complements and adverbials should
not be confused with nominal subject complements. You
should always look out for the three features of nominal
groups: [M] H [Q].
3.3.5
OBJECT COMPLEMENT
Object complements usually follow the direct object,
in order to describe the direct object.
They made him their leader.
We consider ENG 206 a simple course.
He regards his wife a model of discipline.
3.3.6
ADVERBIALS
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Nominal groups also function as
sentences. Such adverbials are of time.
He left two days ago. [adverbial of time]
We will travel next week. [of time]
The man died last year. [of time]
3.3.7
UNIT: 2
adverbials
in
NOMINALISATIONS
There are certain structures which do not fit into the
MHQ pattern of nominal groups, yet they perform syntactic
functions normally identified only with nominal groups. The
case of such structures is called ‘nominalisation’ [Matthews,
1997]
They want to learn English. [infinitive phrase]
They need to see you. [infinitive phrase]
She hates driving this car. [present participle]
Writing a novel is difficult. [present participial]
I fear what is in there. [a clause]
We have five sentences above, respectively showing
the following functions of noun: direct object, direct object,
direct object, subject and direct object.
3.4
SUMMARY
In this unit, we have gone through the various
functions of the nominal group in sentences: subject, direct
subject, indirect object, subject complement, object
complement and adverbials. Since our focus is on function
here, we have also discussed other non-MHQ structures
that function like nouns or nominals in sentences, and are
thus termed nominalisations.
3.5
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISES
1.
Give your own examples of six different nominal
group
functions in sentences.
2.
Give your own examples of nominalised groups, two
each for
infinitive and present participial
groups.
3.
Give two examples of clausal nominalisations
functioning in
sentences.
3.6
REFERENCES
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UNIT: 2
Matthews, P. H. [1997], Concise Dictionary of Linguistics,
Oxford, O.U.P
Robins, P. H. [1964], General Linguistics: An Introductory
Survey, London, Longmans.
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3.7
UNIT: 2
SUGGESTED READINGS
Halliday, M. A. K and Matthiessen, C. M. I. M. [2004], An
Introduction to Functional Grammar, London, Hodder
Arnold.
Hasan, R. [1990], Linguistics and verbal Arts, Oxford, O.U.P.
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UNIT: 2
SOLUTIONS TO EXERCISES
TOPIC 1
According to Halliday [1973], a ‘group’ is a sequence of
logically connected words, the syntactic function of
which corresponds to that of a particular class of word.
A group could be one or more words forming its
collective or unitary status by the function it performs in
the sentence; a word stands as just one of the parts of
speech, the function in the sentence is not specified. For
example, the word ‘Musa’ as a noun and as a nominal
group.
A noun is just one of the parts of speech [eg. boy, pen,
etc]. A nominal group not only specifies the word class
of its headword [the noun], but also enables itself to
accommodate more than one word as one unit.
1.
2.
3.
TOPIC 2
1.
the man [M + H]
a tall man [MM + H]
that pencil on the table [M+H+Q]
Ahmed [H]
Love divine [H + Q]
2.
m
our
school
m
your house
H
a Judas
H
national anthem
Q
the one behind
Q
the language spoken
CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
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ENG 206 – THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
UNIT: 2
TOPIC 3
1.
That man shod dead is the robber. [subject]
We shot the armed robber. [direct object]
I bought my daughter a toy. [indirect object]
Maryam is my first daughter. [subject complement]
We nominated him the chairman. [object complement]
He came two years ago. [adverbial of time]
2.
To rule Nigeria is not easy. [infinitive]
She needs to pass ENG 206. [infinitive]
Smoking is dangerous to health. [present participial]
I do not like eating in public. [present participial]
3.
How he graduated is still a mystery to us. [subject]
We know why he came. [direct object.]
CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
26
ENG 206 – THE NOMINAL GROUP IN ENGLISH
UNIT: 2
TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENTS
1.
Give two examples [your own] for each of the following
structural types of nominal group: MH, HQ, MMH, MHQ, H and
MMHQ
2.
In the following sentences, [i] identify the nominal group,
[ii] analyze each nominal group according to the MHQ
formula, and [iii] state the function of each group in the
sentence.
[i]
It is a problem that those at the back cannot
hear my lectures.
[ii] He who laughs last laughs best.
[iii] One week is a long period but a year is longer.
CDL, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
27