Noun Clauses

A noun clause is an important concept in English grammar. It is a type of dependent clause that works as a noun in a sentence. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about noun clauses, including their types, functions, and how to use them correctly in your writing and speech.

Table of Contents

What is a Noun Clause?

A noun clause is a type of dependent clause that performs the role of a noun in a sentence. It can serve different functions, such as the subject, an object, or a complement. Unlike independent clauses, noun clauses cannot stand alone as a sentence. They are often introduced by certain words or phrases, most commonly that, whether, who, why, whom, what, how, when, whoever, where, and whomever.

Let's consider a few examples:

In these sentences, the phrases in italics are examples of noun clauses. They are acting as the object and the subject of the sentence, respectively.

Understanding the Different Types of Noun Clauses

Noun clauses can be categorized into the following types based on the words that introduce them:

1. That-Clauses

These are noun clauses that begin with the word 'that'. In these cases, 'that' is a subordinating conjunction used to link the noun clause to the main part of the sentence. Here's an example:

In this sentence, 'that she is a talented writer' is a noun clause functioning as the direct object of the verb 'think'.

2. Wh-Clauses

Wh-clauses refer to noun clauses that start with a wh-word (who, what, when, where, why, or how). The wh-word can act as the subject, object, or complement within the clause. For example:

Here, 'what you said' is a noun clause functioning as the subject of the sentence.

3. If/Whether Clauses

If/Whether clauses are noun clauses that begin with 'if' or 'whether'. They are commonly used after verbs of doubting, questioning, and denying. For instance:

In this case, 'whether I could help her' is a noun clause acting as the direct object of the verb 'asked'.

Functions of Noun Clauses

Depending on the role they play in a sentence, noun clauses can serve the following functions:

1. Subject of a Sentence

A noun clause can act as the subject of a sentence, coming before the verb. Example:

Here, the noun clause 'what you said' is the subject of the verb 'was'.

2. Object of a Verb

In this case, the noun clause follows the verb in the sentence. For example:

The clause 'that I am innocent' functions as the direct object of the verb 'believe'.

3. Complement of a Verb or Adjective

A noun clause can also serve as a complement, providing more information about the subject or the adjective. Take a look at this example:

In this sentence, 'how we will fund this project' is a noun clause providing further detail about 'the real problem'.

Conclusion

Remember, noun clauses are a valuable part of English grammar. They add depth and complexity to your writing and speaking. The key to using them correctly involves understanding their structure and knowing how they function within a sentence. With the help of the guide, examples, and rules shared in this tutorial, you can master the use of noun clauses to express more nuanced ideas and arguments. Happy learning!