What is a noun clause? What are noun clauses examples?
On the whole, a noun clause is a clause that can take the place of a noun or a noun phrase in a sentence.
This post deals with types of noun clauses and noun clauses examples.
Noun Clauses Examples
Below are some examples of noun clauses:
- I don’t know the time
- I don’t know when she is coming.
A noun clause is a subordinate(=dependent) clause that generally comes after the main clause. This means that the noun clause cannot stand by itself. It is usually linked to the main clause by connectors. Here are some connectors used in a noun clause:
That, which, what, who, whom, whose, where, why, when, how, if, whether, whatever, whichever, whoever, whomever, whenever, wherever,
- Question words: I don’t know where he lives.
- If or whether: I don’t know if she’s coming.
- That: I don’t know that he’s here yet.
In “that-clauses”, it is possible to leave out ‘that’.
What Is a Noun Clause Called?
A noun clause is called nominal clause.
Types of Noun Clauses
A noun clause can be a complement of the verb be
- The problem is (that) I don’t have enough time to visit all my friends.
- The difficulty was how he was going to find us in that crowded place.
- The thing is (that) the apartment doesn’t have a view on the beach.
Noun Clause as Object
A noun clause can be the object of a verb. Below are some noun clause as object examples:
- Nobody thinks (that) Janet will pass her exams.
- We all know (that) he is a generous person.
- I wonder whether that’s a nice idea.
- She wouldn’t say where she was heading.
We can use if/whether or wh-clause when the noun clause expresses a question or an answer to a question. Look at the following examples:
- I’ll ask when the first English test is.
- This receipt shows how much we have spent on food.
Noun Clause as Subject
A noun clause is sometimes used as a subject. Here are some noun clause as subject examples:
- That all the students got good grades is good news.
- That you love me is not logical.
- Whoever told you that is a liar.
Notice that “that all the students got good grades” is the subject of the verb “is”.
When the noun clause is the subject, we cannot omit “that”; so “all the students got good grades is good news” is NOT correct.
Noun clauses are also used with the empty subject ‘it’
- It’s nice (that) you have finished your tasks on time.
- It’s hard to say if/whether he’s going to attend the party.
- It’s great (that) you called me before you left home.
We can use a that-clause after certain adjectives
- I’m really glad (that) you enjoyed the meal in our restaurant.
- We were certain (that) he was to blame.
- I’m aware (that) smoking is very bad for health.
These clauses can also be used with these adjectives:
Afraid, amused, annoyed, anxious, aware, certain, confident, conscious, convinced, delighted, determined, eager, glad, happy, horrified, impatient, pleased, proud, sorry, sure, surprised, willing, etc.
Noun Clauses with wh-ever Words
- Let us travel abroad next holiday. We can go wherever you want.
- Make yourself at home. You can do whatever you want.
- Whoever runs fast will win the race.
- Whomever you ask does not concern me. Ask whomever you want; I don’t care.
- Whenever I want to get some rest, you start making noise.
Types of Noun Clauses PDF
Noun clauses exercises / Types of noun clauses pdf / Noun clauses pdf
Download noun clauses worksheet with answers pdf here.
Noun Clause Examples PDF
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