Noun Clause

Definition

  A noun clause has a subject and verb and functions as a noun. A noun clause is a dependent clause or subordinate clause and is not a complete sentence. It  must be connected to an independent clause. Noun clauses usually begin with  how,  that,  what,  whatever,  when,    where,  which,  who, whoever, or why.

Noun clauses perform eight main grammatical functions within sentences in the English language. Both native speakers and ESL students must learn the eight functions to fully and correctly use noun clauses in spoken and written English. The eight functions of noun clauses are:

1.   Subject

2.   Subject Complement

3.   Direct object

4.  Object complement

5.   Indirect Object

6.   Prepositional complement

7.   Adjective phrase complement

8.   Appositive

 

1.Noun Clauses as Subjects

That noun clauses can perform is the subject. Subjects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that perform the action of or act upon the predicate.

Example :

How you will finish all your homework on time is beyond me.

2. Noun Clauses As Subject Complements

That noun clauses can perform is the subject complement. Subject complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow a copular verb and describe the subject.

Example :

The  first  place winner will be whoever swims the farthest in an hour.

3. Noun Clauses as Direct Objects

That noun clauses can perform is the direct object. Direct objects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow and receive the action of a transitive verb.

  Example :

  Do you know when the train should arrive?

4. Noun Clauses as Object Complements

That noun clauses can perform is the object complement. Object complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that directly follow and describe the direct object.

  Example :

  Her grandfather considers his biggest mistake that he did not finish college.

5. Noun Clauses as Indirect Objects

That noun clauses can perform is the indirect object. Indirect objects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow a ditransitive verb and indicate to or for whom or what is action of the verb is performed.

Example :

  My parents gave that my brother wants his own car  much thought.

6. Noun Clauses as Prepositional Complements

  That noun clauses can perform is the prepositional complement. Prepositional complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that directly follow a preposition to complete the meaning of the prepositional phrase.

  Example :

  My husband did not think about that I wanted some nice jewelry for my birthday.

7. Noun Clauses as Adjective Phrase Complements

That noun clauses can perform is the adjective phrase complement. Adjective phrase complements are defined as phrases  and clauses that complete the meaning of an adjective phrase.

  Example :

  I am pleased that you are studying noun clauses.

8. Noun Clauses as Appositives

That noun clauses can perform is the appositive. Appositives are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that describe or explain another noun phrase.

  Example :

  The problem, that the storm knocked out power, is affecting the entire town.