NOUN CLAUSES AS SUBJECTS

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NOUN CLAUSES AS SUBJECTS

LIC. MA. ESTELA GRILO S.

Definition:

A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. It can be used as the subject, direct object, indirect object, object of a preposition, subject complement, or appositive.

EXAMPLES

1. Subject: What I had forgotten was that I had a test today.

2. Direct object: You must choose which flavor of ice cream you want.

3. Indirect object: I will tell whoever will listen my frightening story.

4. Object of a preposition: Josie is not interested in whatever Kyle says.

5. Subject complement: Michael's excuse was that he had forgotten to set his alarm.

6. Appositive: It seems to bother the teacher that all the students are being too quiet.

Noun clauses often begin with pronouns, subordinating conjunctions, or other words. The introductory word generally has a grammatical function in the sentence.

Subordinating conjunctions: how, if, when, whenever, where, whether, why

Interrogative adverb: how

Relative pronouns: that, which, who, whom, whose, what

IInterrogative pronoun: who

Interrogative adjective: what

ndefinite relative pronouns: whoever, whomever, whatever, whichever, whether, if

Question clauses - In a noun clause, even if the main clause is a question, the dependent clause is written as a declarative.

Where is your father? Do you know where your father is? Not: Do you know where is your father? When did you assign that? We all asked when you assigned that. Not: We all asked when did you assign that. (Unless the noun clause is in quotation marks.)