Which of the following is *not* an example of a possible independent NP in English?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: Identify which option is not an example of a possible independent NP in English.
Option 1: 'The tall girl' — This is a straightforward noun phrase (determiner + noun) that can function independently as a subject or object, so it is indeed an independent NP.
Option 2: 'Jenna' — This is a simple proper noun, which by itself forms an independent NP capable of standing alone in contexts like subject or object position.
Option 3: 'The silly dog who ran in circles' — This is a noun phrase with a relative clause ('who ran in circles') modifying the noun, but it still functions as a single NP that can stand independently in many syntactic positions.
Option 4: 'went to the store' — This is a verb phrase (a predicate) comprised of the verb 'went' and its prepositional complement 'to the store.' It lacks a noun head and cannot function as a standalone noun phrase; it cannot occupy typical NP slots like subject or object without additional elements. This makes it not an independent NP.
Synthesis: The term 'independent NP' refers to a noun phrase that can stand alone as a syntactic unit without needing a larger phrase to fill its role. The first three options all satisfy this property as noun phrases, whereas the fourth option is a verb phrase and does not meet the criterion. Therefore, the item that is not an independent NP is the fourth option, 'went to the store.'

LIN 001Y A01-A12 SQ 2025 Syntax HW

Which of the following is not an example of a possible independent NP in English?

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