Have you ever heard of a noun clause? (No, relation to Santa lol). While this term may sound complicated, it’s quite simple once you understand it and you probably use them all the time without knowing what they are.

What Are Clauses?

Let’s rewind a moment. A clause is a group of words that has both a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a verb (what the subject is doing). 

What Is a Noun Clause?

A noun clause is a group of words (subordinate clause) that acts like a noun in a sentence. It’s called a clause because it has a subject and a verb.

How Noun Clauses Function in Sentences

Noun clauses can function as subjects, objects, or complements.

Subject Noun Clauses

A noun clause can act as the subject of a sentence. This means it tells us who or what the sentence is about.

♦ Example: What you said surprised me. (What you said is the subject of the sentence).
♦ Example: Whatever you decide is okay with me. (Whatever you decide the subject of the sentence).

Object Noun Clauses

Noun clauses can also serve as the object of a verb. This means they receive the action of the verb.

♦ Example: I know that she’s coming. (That she’s coming is the object of the verb know.
♦ Example: She knows that he’s lying. (That he’s lying is the object of the verb knows).

Complement Noun Clauses

Sometimes, noun clauses act as complements, completing the meaning of the sentence.

♦ Example: The truth is that he lied. (That he lied completes the sentence, describing the truth).
♦ Example: The problem is that it’s raining. (That it’s raining tells us what the problem is).

Related Reading: Understanding Adjectives: Making Your Sentences More Descriptive

As Nouns, Infinitives and Complements

We can substitute noun clauses with nouns, infinitives, or other noun forms.

♥ Original Noun: Agreement seemed impossible.
♥ Infinitive Version: To agree seemed impossible.
♥ Noun Clause: That we should agree seemed impossible.

♥ Original Noun: Victory was out of the question.
♥ Infinitive Version: To win was out of the question.
♥ Noun Clause: That we should win was out of the question.

♥ Original Noun: The merchant feared loss.
♥ Infinitive Version: The merchant feared to lose.
♥ Noun Clause: The merchant feared that he might lose money.

In the first two examples, the noun clause is the subject. In the last example, the noun clause is the object of the verb feared.

How to Form Noun Clauses

A noun clause often begins with words like that, what, who, whether, if, or how. Noun clauses usually begin with certain words that signal their presence. These words include:

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating Conjunctions use that, whether, and if.

Examples:

♦ It was clear that he was wrong.
♦ I believe that she will win
♦ I’m not sure whether to go.
♦ She asked if I could help.

Interrogative Pronouns

Interrogative Pronouns include who, which, and what.

Examples:

♦ I asked who had called.
♦ I don’t know which one she wants.
♦ What she wants is a new job.

Interrogative Adverbs

Interrogative Adverbs use where, how, why, and when.

Examples:

♦ The traveler inquired where he could find the inn.
♦ How he managed to escape remains a mystery.
♦ I don’t know how she solved the problem.
♦ Why he left the party early surprised everyone.
♦ He asked why the train was delayed.
♦ When the meeting will start has not been decided.
♦ I don’t remember when we last saw each other.

In each of these examples, the noun clause acts as part of the sentence, just like a regular noun would.

Related Reading: Exploring Adverbs: Types, Examples, and Uses 

Other Ways to Use Noun Clauses

Let’s look at some other ways to use noun clauses.

As Objects of Different Verbs

Noun clauses often act as the objects of certain verbs:

♥ Verbs of Command or Desire: He commanded that the prisoners should be spared.
♥ Verbs of Communication or Thought: Charles said [that] he was sorry. (Object clauses frequently omit that )
♥ Verbs of Inquiry or Doubt: They asked if I liked tennis.

In Active and Passive Voice

Noun clauses can appear in both active and passive voice:

Active Voice
♦ Example: They informed me that the train was late.
♦ Example: Charles told us that the ice was thin.
♦ Example: They asked me whether (or if) I liked tennis.

Passive Voice
♦ Example: I was informed that the train was late.
♦ Example: We were told that the ice was thin.
♦ Example: I was asked whether I liked tennis.

As Objects of Prepositions

Sometimes, noun clauses can function as the object of a preposition:

Examples:

♦ I see no reason for a lawsuit except that both parties are stubborn.
♦ She never studies, except when she can find nothing else to do.
♦ She could see me from where she stood.

With ‘It’ as the Subject

Sometimes, noun clauses come after the word it, which is like the subject.

♦ Example: It was clear that war was at hand. (The real subject is the noun clause, and it simply introduces it).

This construction changes the focus, which can be handy for switching the focus of the sentence.

♦ Example: That war was at hand was clear. (Emphasis on the noun clause)
♦ Example: It was clear that war was at hand. (Emphasis on the adjective clear)

This inverted order helps emphasize different parts of the sentence and allows for more flexibility in writing.

Practice Exercises

Identify the noun clauses in the following sentences:

1. I don’t know why she was late.
2. What he said upset everyone.
3. The teacher wondered whether the students understood.
4. It’s clear that he didn’t study for the test.
5. How she solved the puzzle amazed everyone.
6. We discussed what to do next.
7. Why he left so suddenly is still unknown.
8. The manager explained how the process works.
9. I can’t remember when the meeting starts.
10. The question is whether we should continue.
11. She didn’t realize that the door was open.
12. Where he parked the car is a mystery.
13. We were unsure if the store was open.
14. They asked what time the bus would arrive.
15. I believe that honesty is the best policy.
16. It doesn’t matter who finishes first.
17. When she will arrive is not certain.
18. The judge ruled that the evidence was valid.
19. How much it costs is the main concern.
20. He doesn’t understand why they were angry.

Key Takeaways

1. Vary Sentence Starters: Start sentences with noun clauses to add variety.
2. Use Them to Introduce Indirect Speech: Noun clauses are ideal for reporting speech or thoughts indirectly.
3. Use Noun Clauses to Express Uncertainty: Noun clauses can convey uncertainty or doubt, making the sentence more open-ended.
4. Use Noun Clauses in Questions: In indirect questions, noun clauses can replace direct questions to keep the tone consistent.
5. Add Emphasis with Expletive It: Start sentences with It is/was… followed by a noun clause for emphasis.

6 Avoid Overusing That: While that is a common introductory word, try to vary your sentence structure to avoid repetition.
7. Use Noun Clauses to Show Opinions: They are excellent for expressing opinions or beliefs.
8. Use Noun Clauses in Concepts: Noun clauses work well when defining concepts or idea
9. Make Statements Less Direct: Use noun clauses to soften direct statements, making them sound more formal or polite.
10. Use in Appositive Phrases: Noun clauses can be used as appositive phrases to give more information about a noun.

Last Words on Using Noun Clauses

Noun clauses are like building blocks that add detail to your sentences. They help you express more complex ideas in a simple, clear way. Sometimes, it’s easy to mix up noun clauses with adjective or adverbial clauses. Remember, a noun clause functions as a noun!

Happy writing!

Linda

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