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Noun clause is a group of words that functions as a noun in a sentence. It can act as a subject, object, or complement. Unlike regular nouns, a noun clause contains a subject and a verb, making it a dependent clause that cannot stand alone.
What is a Noun Clause?
A noun clause is a group of words that acts as a noun in a sentence. It usually starts with words like that, what, who, whom, when, where, why, how, if, whether and whoever.
Noun clauses function as subjects, objects, or complements within sentences.
Examples:
What he said surprised everyone. (Noun clause as the subject)
She didn’t understand why he left early. (Noun clause as the object)
The truth is that she never received the email. (Noun clause as a subject complement)
How to Identify a Noun Clause
A noun clause often begins with words like:
- That
- What
- Where
- Who
- Why
- Which
- How
Example: She explained why she was late.
The clause “why she was late” is a noun clause because it answers “what did she explain?”
Functions of Noun Clauses
| Usage | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| As a Subject | What she said is important. | What she said acts as the subject of the sentence. |
| As an Object | She explained why she was late. | Why she was late is the object of the verb explained. |
| As a Subject Complement | The fact is that he missed the meeting. | That he missed the meeting complements The fact. |
| As an Object of a Preposition | She is concerned about how they will react. | How they will react is the object of the preposition about. |
Types of Noun Clauses
1. Subject Noun Clause
A noun clause can function as the subject of a sentence.
- What she said surprised everyone.
The clause “What she said” acts as the subject of the sentence.
2. Object Noun Clause
It can also function as the object of a verb.
- Ali knows where they are going.
Here, “where they are going” is the object of the verb “knows.”
3. Complement Noun Clause
A noun clause can also work as a complement in a sentence.
- The fact is that she won the competition.
The clause “that she won the competition” acts as the complement of the verb “is.”
Noun Clause vs. Other Clauses
| Clause Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun Clause | Acts as a noun in a sentence | I believe that he is honest. |
| Adjective Clause | Describes a noun | The book that I bought is interesting. |
| Adverb Clause | Modifies a verb | He left because he was tired. |
| Relative Clause | Acts as an adjective, modifying a noun | The girl who won the race is my friend. |
Common Errors with Noun Clauses
1. Using the Wrong Conjunction
❌ I don’t know what is he doing.
✅ I don’t know what he is doing.
2. Confusing It with Other Clauses
❌ She told me who did she meet.
✅ She told me who she met.
Example Sentences with Noun Clauses
- What she decided remains a mystery.
- I don’t know where they went.
- That he apologized made a big difference.
- She was surprised by how well he performed.
- The teacher explained why the answer was incorrect.
- We are unsure whether they will attend the event.
- Whoever finishes first will get a prize.
- He told me that he had completed the project.
- I wonder what caused the delay.
- The fact that she moved abroad shocked everyone.
FAQs
1. How do I identify a noun clause in a sentence?
A noun clause acts as a subject, object, or complement and starts with words like that, what, where, who, or why.
2. Can a noun clause be a subject?
Yes, a noun clause can be the subject of a sentence, e.g., What you said is true.
3. What’s the difference between a noun clause and an adjective clause?
A noun clause functions as a noun, while an adjective clause describes a noun.
4. Do all noun clauses start with ‘that’?
No, noun clauses can also begin with what, where, why, who, which, or how.
5. Can a noun clause be removed from a sentence?
No, since it acts as a noun, removing it would make the sentence incomplete.
Conclusion
A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun in a sentence. It can function as a subject, object, or complement and is essential for sentence clarity. Mastering noun clauses helps improve English fluency and writing accuracy.
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