1. Functions of a Noun A noun is a person, place, thing or idea. A noun can be found in any part of a sentence. The function of a noun will vary depending on the location of a noun within a sentence.

2. The ways a noun can function within a sentence: Subject Appositive Object of a Preposition Direct Object Indirect Object Predicate Nominative

3. Subject The subject tells who or what a sentence is about. Jennifer is my friend. Jennifer is a noun. Jennifer is the subject of the sentence.

4. Appositive An appositive is a noun that immediately follows another noun that gives additional meaning or explanation. My friend, Jennifer, is a nurse. Friend is a noun. Jennifer is a noun. Since friend and Jennifer are both nouns, side-by-side, the second noun is the appositive. Jennifer is the appositive.

5. Object of a Preposition An object of a preposition is the noun at the end of a prepositional phrase. A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, the object of the preposition and any modifiers in between those. I gave money to my friend Jennifer. To my friend Jennifer is a prepositional phrase. Jennifer is the object of the preposition to.

6. Direct Object A direct object is a noun following an action verb. It receives the action of the action verb. I called Jennifer from my cell phone. Jennifer is a noun. Called is an action verb. Jennifer is receiving the action of the verb called. Jennifer is the direct object.

7. Indirect Object An indirect object is a noun that comes between an action verb and a direct object. It tells to or for whom the action was intended. I gave Jennifer some money. Jennifer is a noun. Money is a noun. Gave is an action verb. Money is a direct object, receiving the action of the verb, gave. Jennifer is the indirect object, telling who received the direct object, money.

8. Predicate Nominative A predicate nominative is a noun located in the predicate that renames, or tells more information about, the subject. A predicate nominative can only be found in sentences with a linking verb. My best friend is Jennifer. Jennifer is a noun. Friend is the subject. Jennifer renames or tells more about the subject, friend. Jennifer is a predicate nominative.