Noun clauses in English!!! In this lesson, we learn the definition, functions, and examples of noun clauses in English.
What is a Noun Clause?
A noun clause is a dependent clause that contains a subject and a verb. It works as a noun in a sentence. It can be the subject of a sentence, an object, or a complement. It begins with words such as how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why.
Examples:
- Do you know what the weather will be?
- My hope is that everyone here becomes friends.
- I can’t tell you where he lives.
- Whatever I suggest, he always disagrees.
- I wonder why Sarah is absent.
- Choose a gift for whomever you want.
- We decided to look into how much it costs.
Functions of Noun Clauses
Noun Clauses as Subjects
- That she did not pass the exam is obvious at this point.
- What you have said makes her sad.
- Whichever you buy, there is a six-month guarantee.
- Whoever made this cake is a real artist.
- Whether we can stay in this situation is debatable.
- Whatever you want is fine with me.
Noun Clauses as Objects
Objects are words that “receive” another part of a sentence. There are three types of objects: direct objects (receive the action of the verb), indirect objects (receive direct objects), objects of prepositions (receive prepositions).
- I don’t know who he is. (direct objects)
- He had miscalculated how long the trip would take. (direct objects)
- I can do whatever I want. (direct objects)
- He cannot understand why she’s constantly carping at him. (direct objects)
- My parents are really satisfied with what I have done. (objects of prepositions)
- I’m not looking for what he likes. (objects of prepositions)
- Can you tell me when it is time for dinner? (direct objects)
- I asked about why Tom ate those hot peppers. (objects of prepositions)
- She didn’t realize that the directions were wrong. (direct objects)
- Harry is not the best provider of what Margie needs. (objects of prepositions)
Noun Clauses as Compliments
- Harry’s problem was that he couldn’t make a decision.
- He knows that I am a dentist.
- The uncertainty is whether he will attend or not.
- Linda was sad that her boyfriend betrays her.
- Jennifer seemed angry that he refused to help her.
- She believed that I was right.
- Carlie’s problem was that she didn’t practice enough.
Noun Clauses in English | Infographic
Last Updated on June 24, 2021
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