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2323 Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

Query about a Noun Phrase

Good evening.

I am currently trying to understand noun phrases. The following example was provided in an English grammar website:

I promise to come again


"To come again" is the noun phrase in question. However, I'm not sure why since I don't see a noun in this phrase. Can someone please explain why "to come again" is considered a "noun phrase"?

  

Top answer

2323 I promise to come again . The underlined is an infinitive phrase that functions as the complement of the verb "promise".

— Persian Learner

  • 2323 I promise to come again .
  • The underlined is an infinitive phrase that functions as the complement of the verb "promise".
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3 Answers
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2323I promise to come again.

The underlined is an infinitive phrase that functions as the complement of the verb "promise".

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If "to come again" is viewed as the object of "promise" then the phrase ought to function as a noun since the objects of verbs are nouns. To me personally, it is a stretch to see "to come again" as an ordinary grammatical object of "promise". I think it is more natural to consider "promise to ~" as a combining form that can create verbal catenations such as "promise to come" etc. Opinions will

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2323I am currently trying to understand noun phrases. The following example was provided in an English grammar website:I promise to come again"To come again" is the noun phrase in question. However, I'm not sure why since I don't see a noun in this phrase. Can someone please explain why "to come again" is considered a "noun phrase"?

I promise

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