Question

Are these correct?

The beginning of the sentences before "the skiers" are they still considered part of the noun phrase, or are they considered a prepositional phrase, or something different? I believe they are part of the noun phrase, but not sure.

The part in the [ ] is what I am asking about.

[Why did] the skiers crowd the slopes?
[How come] the skiers crowded the slopes?
[Which of] the skiers crowded the slopes?
[Did] the skiers crowd the slopes?
[Are] the skiers crowding the slopes?
[Don't let] the skiers crowd the slopes.
[Be careful] the skiers crowd the slopes.
[There in Colorado] the skiers crowded the slopes.
[What caused] the skiers to crowd the slopes?

Answer 1

Verbs never are part of noun phrases. Your sentences contain these verbs: did, come, are, do let, be careful, and what. Therefore, in those sentences the words before "the skiers" is part of the predicate.

"There in Colorado" is a prepositional phrase modifying the verb, crowded, so it's not part of a noun phrase.

The only sentence that includes the introductory words as part of the noun phrase is "[Which of] the skiers crowded the slopes?"