NOUN CLAUSES

1. NOUN CLAUSES

2. Noun clausesas the name implies, function as nouns. That is, they are word groups with their own subject and verb that in turn function as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

3. Uses of Noun Clauses • After some verbs and adjectives • To include a question in a statement (embedded questions) • To report what someone has said or asked

4. Noun clauses can follow certain verbs and adjectives that express mental activities

5. To include a question in a statement • I don’t know what time it is. • I wonder how he found out.

6. To report what someone has said or asked • He said that he would return. • He asked me what I wanted

7. There are three types of Noun Clauses:

8. Noun clause can be a __? • Subject of a verb • That you should say so surprises me. • What he said was true • The object of a verb - He says that he won’t go. - Tell me where you live. • The object of a preposition - Pay careful attention to what I am going to say.

9. In apposition to a noun or pronoun • Apposition is a grammatical construction in which two elements, normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to define or modify the other. An appositive clause renames the subject • That man, whoever is he, tried to steal some library books. • The problem, that the storm knocked out power, is affecting the entire town. • Appositives are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that describe or explain another noun phrase.

10. Your question, whether you should wear the blue dress or pink one, is frivolous in the situation

11. In a relative clause, the relative pronoun means the same thing as the noun that the clause is attached to. • An appositive clause does not include the noun that it attaches to; the appositive clause is like a linking verb. The connector “that” just connects the clause to the noun without playing any internal role in the clause.

12. That” functions as a conjunction; it does not have another function in the clause that follows. The clause could be an independent sentence.

13. Examples: • My belief that English grammar is fascinating lies behind my career. • The idea that music soothes the mind is the basis to a good night’s sleep. • A request that the bride and groom begin the first dance is a tradition.

14. 5.I will give whoever writes the best essay an A in the course. (“whoever writes the best essay” is the indirect object.) 6. Whoever you are, come out of there. (“Whoever you are” is a noun of direct address.) 7. noun clause can be an adjective complement: Everybody is sad that Billy drowned.

15. 8. The complement of subject • My belief is that he will not come. • Her constant prayer was that the child might live. • Life is what we make it. • This is where I live. • My wish is that I may please you.

16. The word that can often be omitted. However it can not be omitted if it is in the subject positionThat the museum cancelled the lecture disappoints me.I think that this book will be interesting.

17. Noun clauses with Wh-wordsThey have statement word order, even when they occur within questionsWh + subject + verbI don’t know what he is doingI wonder how he feels today.Where I put my book is a mystery.

18. Noun clauses with If/whetherare often followed by or not. They are often used in statements that express uncertainty. • Whether Fred can get a better job is not certain

19. How can we know it is a noun clause? • Usually, a noun clause is introduced by a subordinating conjunction • that, how, when, where, whether, why • OR a relative pronoun • what, whatever, who, whom, whoever, whomever, which,whichever

20. Noun Clause Trick • If you can substitute the word someone or something for a clause in a sentence, it is a noun clause. • “Whatever you want for dinner is fine with me!” (something) • “This magic spell will bring whoever uses it great wealth!” (someone)

21. Noun clauses after verbs that show importance or urgency:Subjunctive • advise forbid recommendask insist requirebeg order suggesturge request demand

22. Some expressions that show importance or urgency: It is advisableIt is essentialIt is imperativeIt is importantIt is necessaryIt is urgent

23. After verbs that show importance or urgency,the base form is used.Use the subject pronoun before a base form.For negatives, put not before the base form

24. It is essential that babies have stimulation.I advise that she stay home with her children. • I recommend that she not go to that movie. • The football coach insists that each player get eight hours of sleep per night. • It is important that you be on time.