NOUN CLAUSES

Noun clauses as the name implies, function as nouns Noun clauses as the name implies, function as nouns. That is, they are word groups with their own subject and verb that in turn function as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Uses of Noun Clauses After some verbs and adjectives To include a question in a statement (embedded questions) To report what someone has said or asked

Noun clauses can follow certain verbs and adjectives that express mental activities

To include a question in a statement I don’t know what time it is. I wonder how he found out.

To report what someone has said or asked He said that he would return. He asked me what I wanted

There are three types of Noun Clauses:

Noun clause can be a __? Subject of a verb The object of a verb That you should say so surprises me. What he said was true The object of a verb - He says that he won’t go. - Tell me where you live. The object of a preposition - Pay careful attention to what I am going to say.

In apposition to a noun or pronoun Apposition is a grammatical construction in which two elements, normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to define or modify the other. An appositive clause renames the subject That man, whoever is he, tried to steal some library books. The problem, that the storm knocked out power, is affecting the entire town. Appositives are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that describe or explain another noun phrase.

Your question, whether you should wear the blue dress or pink one, is frivolous in the situation

In a relative clause, the relative pronoun means the same thing as the noun that the clause is attached to. An appositive clause does not include the noun that it attaches to; the appositive clause is like a linking verb. The connector “that” just connects the clause to the noun without playing any internal role in the clause.

That” functions as a conjunction; it does not have another function in the clause that follows. The clause could be an independent sentence.

Examples: My belief that English grammar is fascinating lies behind my career. The idea that music soothes the mind is the basis to a good night’s sleep. A request that the bride and groom begin the first dance is a tradition.

5. I will give whoever writes the best essay an A in the course 5.I will give whoever writes the best essay an A in the course. (“whoever writes the best essay” is the indirect object.) 6. Whoever you are, come out of there. (“Whoever you are” is a noun of direct address.) 7. noun clause can be an adjective complement: Everybody is sad that Billy drowned.

8. The complement of subject My belief is that he will not come. Her constant prayer was that the child might live. Life is what we make it. This is where I live. My wish is that I may please you.

The word that can often be omitted The word that can often be omitted. However it can not be omitted if it is in the subject position That the museum cancelled the lecture disappoints me. I think that this book will be interesting.

Noun clauses with Wh-words They have statement word order, even when they occur within questions Wh + subject + verb I don’t know what he is doing I wonder how he feels today. Where I put my book is a mystery.

Noun clauses with If/whether are often followed by or not Noun clauses with If/whether are often followed by or not. They are often used in statements that express uncertainty. Whether Fred can get a better job is not certain

How can we know it is a noun clause? Usually, a noun clause is introduced by a subordinating conjunction that, how, when, where, whether, why OR a relative pronoun what, whatever, who, whom, whoever, whomever, which,whichever

Noun Clause Trick If you can substitute the word someone or something for a clause in a sentence, it is a noun clause. “Whatever you want for dinner is fine with me!” (something) “This magic spell will bring whoever uses it great wealth!” (someone)

Noun clauses after verbs that show importance or urgency: Subjunctive advise forbid recommend ask insist require beg order suggest urge request demand

Some expressions that show importance or urgency: It is advisable It is essential It is imperative It is important It is necessary It is urgent

After verbs that show importance or urgency, the base form is used After verbs that show importance or urgency, the base form is used. Use the subject pronoun before a base form. For negatives, put not before the base form

It is essential that babies have stimulation It is essential that babies have stimulation. I advise that she stay home with her children. I recommend that she not go to that movie. The football coach insists that each player get eight hours of sleep per night. It is important that you be on time.