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Noun Clause. Another type of Subordinate Clause. Functions as a noun It can do anything a noun can do It can act as a subject, a direct object, a predicate nominative, an indirect object, or the object of a preposition It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
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Noun Clause Another type of Subordinate Clause
Functions as a noun • It can do anything a noun can do • It can act as a subject, a direct object, a predicate nominative, an indirect object, or the object of a preposition • It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence
Certain words usually introduce a noun clause • How • If • That • What • Whatever • When • Where • Whether • Which • Whichever • Who • Whoever • Whom • Whose • Why
Whoever was stealing the precious stones had many accomplices. [subject]
Detectives believed they would never know what happened to the diamonds [direct object]
The anonymous midnight call was what tipped off the police. [Predicate nominative]
The lawyer instructed Betty to testify truthfully about whether she knew the suspect. [object of a preposition]
As you write, you don’t have to identify how noun clauses function in sentences. Think of them as just another tool to express ideas and vary sentence structure.
Sometimes, the introductory word of a noun clause is omitted because it is understood. The sentences below make sense if you read them with or without the bracketed word. • The prosecutor hopes [that] the jury will convict the suspect. • The defense lawyer knows [that] he has a strong case.
Editing Tip • Only omit the introductory word in a noun clause if it doesn’t cause misunderstanding. • Unclear –Tom didn’t believe Jerry would leave town. • Clear – Tom didn’t believe that Jerry would leave town. • Unclear- Mom didn’t say you called. • Clear- Mom didn’t say that you called.
