MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

What is a nominal in a sentence?

1. A word that can function as an adjective

2. A word or group of words that functions as a noun

3. An expression of emotion or surprise

4. An action word that describes a verb

The correct answer is: A word or group of words that functions as a noun

A nominal in a sentence refers to a word or group of words that functions as a noun. This can include a single noun, a noun phrase, or even a clause that serves the same grammatical purpose as a noun. For instance, the phrase "the tall building" is a noun phrase acting as a nominal since it can take the place of a subject or object in a sentence. In contrast, the other options describe different grammatical elements that do not apply to the definition of a nominal. Adjectives modify nouns rather than function as nouns themselves, expressions of emotion or surprise do not serve as subjects or objects, and action words (verbs) describe actions but are not classified as nominals. Understanding this distinction is important when identifying parts of speech and how they function within a sentence.