'For example, although it is true to say that the noun group is the structure we choose for "the things" we want to talk about, it is not the only one.'

Question

For example, although it is true to say that the noun group is the structure we choose for the things we want to talk about, it is not the only one. Sometimes we want to talk about an event or an idea that is not easy to express in a noun group. Instead we can use a clause as the subject of another clause.  e.g  All I want is a holiday.   (Quoted from the introduction of Collins COBUILD English Grammar )I don't quite understand what it means by 'the things we want to talk about'. What is being referred to by 'the things'?     For all it's worth, according to the glossary included in the grammar, a noun group is a group of words which acts as the subject, complement, or object of a clause, or as the object of a preposition. Also called nominal group or noun phrase.Thank youPBF

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

The stuff, the subject, the matter we want to talk about
If you don't understand this, go to one of your friends/teachers who speak your language to translate it to you. I mean, it's basic, you shouldn't have doubts about such things.

Peaceblinkfriend · Answer

Thank you for your reply Marius Hancu. I understand 'the things' is what we want to talk about. I was under the impression that the grammar is specifying certain 'things' that we want to talk about. i.e. the grammar might be referring to particular things in which case we would choose to use the noun group if we were to talk about them.

PBF

Marius Hancu · Answer

They want to say that when you want to speak about something, using a noun group to point to that something is a good idea in many situations

'For example, although it is true to say that the noun group is the structure we choose for "the things" we want to talk about, it is not the only one.'

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