A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun within a sentence. Noun clauses contain a subject and verb, but cannot stand alone as they are not complete thoughts. They must be paired with an independent clause. Noun clauses can serve as the subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition within a sentence. They are generally introduced by words like what, that, why, and how. The subjunctive case is sometimes used in noun clauses to express uncertainty, such as after verbs like require and advise.
2. What is a Noun Clause?
A noun clause is a dependent clause that
contains a subject and a verb. A noun clause
functions as noun in a sentence
A noun clause cannot stand alone because it is
not a complete thought. It must always be paired
with an independent (main) clause.
3. Noun Clause Example:
“ I remember what you said yesterday.”
the underlined portion is the independent clause that can
stand alone. The italicized words, “what you said yesterday,” serve
as a dependent noun clause. .
4. In What Way Can a Noun Clause Operate?
Noun clauses can operate just the same as an
ordinary noun would. This means they can be
the subject of a sentence, the direct object of
a verb, or the object of a preposition.
5. Noun Clause as an Object
A noun clause can function as:
a direct object,
an indirect object,
or the object of a preposition.
6. Noun Clause Example as Direct Object:
“The goal of our company is what is explained in the profile”.
The underlined portion of the sentence contains the subject an
d the verb. The italicized portion is the noun clause which conta
ins a subject and verb but is a dependent clause. The noun claus
e is acting as the direct object of the sentence.
7. Noun Clause Example as Indirect Object:
Don’t forget to send whoever attended the conference a
follow-up email.
The direct object of the sentence is a “follow-up email.” The
recipient of that email is the noun clause, also the indirect
object.
8. Noun Clause Example as
Object of Preposition:
“You should speak about how your parents immigrated to this
country.”
The underlined portion of the sentence is a prepositional
phrase, beginning with the preposition“about” and ending with
the noun clause. The noun clause acts as the object of the
preposition.
9. Noun Clause as a Subject
Since a noun clause is a noun, it can function as a
subject of a sentence.
Examples:
Whatever you decide to do is fine with me.
How you made that decision baffles me.
Why we chose not to include you is none of your
business
10. How to Identify a Noun Clause
Noun clauses often begin with one of (but not only) these words:
To see if a clause is a noun clause, identify its role in the sentence. If it
is acting as a noun, it is a noun clause (as opposed to an adjective
clause, for example).
11. Using Subjunctive in Noun Clauses
The subjunctive case appears in noun clauses. It is
acceptable in formal writing and speaking but is not
common in everyday language.
The common use of the subjunctive case in a noun clause
is after verbs like: advise, ask, demand, insist, urge and
require.
12. The formula for a noun clause in the subjunctive case looks like
this:
object + infinitive + (object of infinitive)
Examples of noun clauses in subjective case:
The school requires students to complete all courses.
I asked her to help me.
The manager urged his employees to provide exceptional
customer service.
13. Summary: What are Noun Clauses?
Define noun clause: Is a clause that functions as a noun in a sentence.
what does a noun clause contains?:
contain a subject and a verb.
are dependent clauses that cannot stand alone.
function as a noun in the sentence.
generally begin with particular words.
14. Exercises
Underline the noun clauses.
I cannot understand why she is angry with me.
They said that they would accept the offer.
I think I will win.
He told me that he would come.
15. Exercises
. You can eat whatever you want.
. Can you guess what I want?
. I feel certain that she will come.
. I do not know what she wants.
. No one knows where he is.
