In a noun phrase, a verbal idea can be changed to a noun. The noun becomes the center of the construction. Compare:
mon amitié avec Marie (my friendship with Mary) (I 'm Mary's friend.)
son mouvement lent (his slow movement) (He moves slowly.)
sa promotion rapide (her rapid promotion) (She was promoted rapidly.)
The abstract noun phrase functions as a verbal idea within another sentence:
Son refus à cette offre d'emploi ne plaît pas à sa
famille.
(His family doesn't like his rejection of that job offer.)
Je n'ai pas compris une chose, la rupture soudaine de ses
fiançailles.
(I could not understand one thing, her sudden breaking-off of her
engagement.)
Certains croient à l'existence de soucoupes
volantes.
(Some people believe in the existence of flying saucers.)
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