Like nouns, noun phrases are the subject or the object of a sentence. Remember:

• The subject performs the action. It answers the question “who?” or “what?” before the verb. Example of noun phrase as subject: The unemployed man needs to find work. (Who needs to find work?)
• The direct object answers the question “who?” or “what?” after the verb. Example of noun phrase as direct object: Poverty creates suffering for many people. (Poverty creates what?)