Noun Clause-Types of Noun Clause-Subordinate Clauses-English Grammar

Noun Clause and Its Types (Detailed Explanation with Examples)

What is a Noun Clause?

A Noun Clause is a subordinate (dependent) clause that does the work of a noun in a sentence.

Just as a noun can function as a subject, object, or complement, a noun clause can also perform these functions.

Definition: A Noun Clause is a group of words containing a subject and a finite verb that functions as a noun in a sentence.

 

Examples

1.  That he is honest is known to everyone.

2.  I know what he wants.

3.  The problem is that we have no money.

 

In the above examples, the highlighted groups of words are Noun Clauses because they perform the functions of nouns.

 

How to Recognize a Noun Clause

Method 1: Ask "What?"

Sentence:

He told me that the rain was scanty last year.

 

Ask: He told me what?

Answer: that the rain was scanty last year

Therefore, it is a Noun Clause.

Types of Noun Clauses

1. Noun Clause as the Subject of a Verb

When a noun clause acts as the subject of the main verb, it is called a Noun Clause as Subject.

Examples

1.  That he will help me is certain.

2.  What you said is untrue.

3.  Whoever works hard succeeds.

4.  Whether he will come is uncertain.

Analysis

What you said is untrue.

 

Subject = What you said (Noun Clause)

Verb = is

Complement = untrue

Therefore, the clause functions as the subject.

2. Noun Clause as the Object of a Verb

When a noun clause receives the action of a verb, it acts as the object.

Examples

1.  I know that he is honest.

2.  She asked what my name was.

3.  He told me that he would help me.

4.  We do not know where he lives.

Analysis

I know that he is honest.

Ask: I know what?

Answer: that he is honest

Therefore, it is the object of the verb know.

 

3. Noun Clause as the Object of an Infinitive

An infinitive is usually to + first form of verb.

 

Examples

1.  He stood up to ask what the teacher was saying.

2.  I want to know where he lives.

3.  She tried to discover who had taken her bag.

Analysis

He stood up to ask what the teacher was saying.

Infinitive = to ask

Object of infinitive = what the teacher was saying

Hence, it is a Noun Clause functioning as the object of an infinitive.

4. Noun Clause as the Object of a Present Participle

A present participle ends in -ing.

Examples

1.  Thinking that you would help me, I came here.

2.  Believing that he was innocent, they supported him.

3.  Knowing that she was ill, we visited her.

Analysis

 

Thinking that you would help me

Present Participle = thinking

Object = that you would help me

Thus, the clause is a Noun Clause.

 

5. Noun Clause as the Object of a Preposition

A noun clause may come after a preposition such as of, to, about, with, etc.

Examples

1.  He is fond of what you sing.

2.  He objected to what I said.

3.  I agree with what you suggest.

4.  We are interested in how the machine works.

Analysis

He objected to what I said.

Preposition = to

Object of preposition = what I said

Hence, it is a Noun Clause.

6. Noun Clause as a Complement

 

A complement completes the meaning of a subject, adjective, or verb.

(a) Subject Complement

Examples

1.  Life is what we make it.

2.  The truth is that he is innocent.

3.  My wish is that everyone should succeed.

Analysis

Life is what we make it.

The clause completes the meaning of the subject Life.

(b) Adjective Complement

Examples

1.  I am happy that I have completed my work.

2.  She is sad that she lost her necklace.

3.  We are glad that you came.

Analysis

The clause completes the meaning of the adjective (happy, sad, glad).

7. Noun Clause in Apposition to a Noun or Pronoun

A noun clause may explain or rename a noun or pronoun placed before it.

 

Examples

1.  The news that India has won the match spread quickly.

2.  The fact that the results will be declared tomorrow excited students.

3.  The belief that honesty is the best policy is universal.

Analysis

The fact that the results will be declared tomorrow

The clause explains the noun fact.

Therefore, it is a Noun Clause in Apposition.

Common Words that Introduce Noun Clauses

Conjunctions: that, whether, if

Interrogative Words: what, who, whom, whose, which,

Where, when, why, how

Examples

1.  I know that he is honest.

2.  I don't know whether he will come.

3.  Tell me where you live.

Explain why you were absent.

Difference Between a Noun Clause and an Adjective Clause

Noun Clause: I know what he wants.

Ask: I know what?

Answer: what he wants

It functions as an object (noun).

Adjective Clause

The boy who won the prize is my brother.

The clause ‘who won the prize’ describes the noun boy.

Therefore, it is an Adjective Clause.

Quick Summary

Type of Noun Clause                     Example

1.Subject of Verb               What you said is true.

2.Object of Verb                 I know what you want.

3.Object of Infinitive  He tried to find where she lived.

4.Object of Present Participle 

                        Thinking that you would help me, I came.

5.Object of Preposition     He objected to what I said.

6.Subject Complement      Life is what we make it.

Adjective Complement       I am happy that you succeeded.

7.Apposition to Noun The fact that he is honest is known to all.

Important Rule for Examination

To identify a Noun Clause:

1.  Find the main verb in the principal clause.

2.  Put the question "What?"

3.  If the subordinate clause answers that question, it is usually a Noun Clause.

Example

She told me that she would come.

Question:

She told me what?

Answer:

‘that she would come’

Therefore, that she would come is a Noun Clause.

Practice Questions

Identify the Noun Clause and state its type:

 

1.  What he said is true.

2.  I know that he is honest.

3.  He asked where I lived.

4.  The fact that he succeeded surprised everyone.

5.  Life is what we make it.

Answers

1.  What he said – Subject of Verb

2.  that he is honest – Object of Verb

3.  where I lived – Object of Verb

4.  that he succeeded – Apposition to Noun

5.  what we make it – Subject Complement