Noun
Clauses
A noun clause has a subject and verb and functions as a noun. A noun clause is a dependent clause or subordinate
clause and is not a complete sentence. It must be connected to an independent clause. Noun clauses usually begin with how, that, what, whatever, when, where, which, who, whoever, or why.
Noun
clauses perform eight main grammatical functions within sentences in the
English language. Both native speakers and ESL students must learn the eight
functions to fully and correctly use noun
clauses in spoken and written English. The eight functions of noun clauses are:
- Subject
- Subject complement
- Direct object
- Object complement
- Indirect object
- Prepositional complement
- Adjective phrase complement
- Appositive
1.Noun Clauses as Subjects
That noun clauses can
perform is the subject. Subjects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses
that perform the action of or act upon the predicate.
Example :
•
How you will finish all your homework on time is beyond me.
•
That the museum cancelled the lecture disappoints me.
•
Whoever ate my lunch is in big trouble.
2.Noun Clauses
as Subject Complements
That noun clauses can
perform is the subject complement. Subject complements are defined as words,
phrases, and clauses that follow a copular verb and describe the subject.
Example :
•
The truth was that the moving company lost all your furniture.
•
My question is whether you will sue the company for losses.
•
The first place winner will be whoever swims the
farthest in an hour.
3. Noun Clauses as Direct Objects
That noun clauses can perform is the direct
object. Direct objects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow
and receive the action of a transitive verb.
Example :
•
The counselor has been wondering if she
chose the right career.
•
Do you know when the train should arrive?
•
Our dog eats whatever we put in his bowl.
4.Noun Clauses as Object Complements
That noun clauses can perform is the object
complement. Object complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that
directly follow and describe the direct object.
Example :
•
Her grandfather considers his biggest
mistake that he did not finish college.
•
The committee has announced the winner whoever
wrote the essay on noun clauses.
•
I have often declared the problem that
most students do not understand grammar.
5. Noun Clauses as Indirect Objects
That noun clauses can perform is the indirect
object. Indirect objects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow
a ditransitive verb and indicate to or for whom or what is action of the verb
is performed.
Example :
•
The judge will give what you said some
deliberation during her decision.
•
The group has given that most Americans
do not support their cause little consideration.
•
My parents gave that my brother wants
his own car much thought.
6. Noun Clauses as Prepositional Complements
That noun clauses can perform is the
prepositional complement. Prepositional complements are defined as words,
phrases, and clauses that directly follow a preposition to complete the meaning
of the prepositional phrase.
Example :
•
Some people believe in whatever
organized religion tells them.
•
We have been waiting for whoever will
pick us up from the party.
•
My husband did not think about that I
wanted some nice jewelry for my birthday.
7. Noun Clauses as Adjective Phrase Complements
That noun clauses can perform is the adjective
phrase complement. Adjective phrase complements are defined as phrases and
clauses that complete the meaning of an adjective phrase.
Example :
•
I am pleased that you are studying noun
clauses.
•
The toddler was surprised that throwing
a tantrum did not get him his way.
•
My brother is angry that someone dented
his new car.
NOTE : Noun
clauses most often function as adjective phrase complements when the adjective
phrase is performing the function of subject
complement.
8. Noun Clauses as Appositives
That noun clauses can perform is the appositive.
Appositives are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that describe or explain
another noun phrase.
Example :
•
That man whoever is he, tried to
steal some library books.
•
The problem, that the storm knocked out
power, is affecting the entire town.
•
Your question, whether you should wear
the blue dress or pink one, is frivolous in the situation.
