Question

Tell whether the underlined words are a noun or verb phrase. If it is a noun phrase, tell how it is being used.

1. The character and conduct of the nation never looked bleaker.
2. Abolitionists should argue more and denounce less. .
3. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable rights.
4. Many states had passed laws protecting the rights of slave owners. .
5. Must I argue the wrongfulness of slavery? .

Answer 1

1. The underlined phrase "The character and conduct of the nation" is a noun phrase, it is used as the subject of the sentence.

2. The underlined phrase "Abolitionists" is a noun phrase, it is used as the subject of the sentence.

3. The underlined phrase "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is a noun phrase, it is used as the object of the sentence.

4. The underlined phrase "the rights of slave owners" is a noun phrase, it is used as the object of the preposition "of".

5. The underlined phrase "the wrongfulness of slavery" is a noun phrase, it is used as the object of the preposition "of".