Identifying noun and verb phrases

[nur]

Hi! I'm having some trouble with my english assignment. The assignment is about identifying all the noun phrases in a text. The problem is, sometimes, I will confuse a verb phrase for a noun phrase. So, what are the ways of differentiating a noun phrase from a verb phrase?

For example, in this sentence:

John's analysis of the dynamics of maintaining networks of relationships is a first step toward such a theory of relational entrepreneurship.

Is 'maintaining networks of relationships' a noun or a verb phrase?

[Temico]

Before you can identify noun or verb phrases, you must first know their functions. Try this website: http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/...r/phrfunc.html

(Hint: There isn't a verb phrase in your sentence)