Noun Clause: Definition, Types, Functions and Examples

Table of Contents

• What is a Noun Clause?
• Types of Noun Clauses
• Functions of a Noun Clause
• How to Identify a Noun Clause?
• Rules for Using Noun Clauses
• What Do Noun Clauses Start With?
• Noun Clause Examples
• Noun Clauses vs Relative Clauses
• Noun Clauses vs Noun Phrases
• Noun Clause Exercises

What is a Noun Clause?

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions like a noun in a sentence. It contains a group of words with a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Just like a noun, a noun clause can function as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Examples of Noun Clauses:

What he said made everyone laugh.

I know where she lives.

She is worried about whether she will pass the test.

Key Characteristics of a Noun Clause:

• It has a subject and a verb

• It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, so a noun clause is a dependent clause

• It functions as a noun and can act as a subject, object, complement, or object of a preposition.

• It usually begins with specific words such as that, what, who, whether, if, how, when, where, why, whoever, whatever, etc.

 

Types of Noun Clauses

Noun clauses can be classified into different types based on how they begin.

• That-Clauses: These begin with the conjunction that and are used to express statements, beliefs, or facts.

• Wh-Clauses / Interrogative Noun Clauses: These begin with question words like what, who, whom, whose, which, when, where, why, and how. Even though they use question words, they are not actual questions; they make statements.

• Whether / If-Clauses: These clauses express uncertainty, conditions, or indirect yes/no questions. They begin with whether or if.

 

Functions of a Noun Clause

Just like a regular noun, a noun clause can perform several important roles in a sentence. Let’s look at each function with examples:

Subject of the Sentence: The noun clause acts as the subject; it tells us who or what the sentence is about.

• How she solved the puzzle amazed the class.

• Whether we win or lose does not matter.

Direct Object: The noun clause receives the action of the verb.

• I know that she is telling the truth.

• He told me where the keys were kept.

Subject Complement: The noun clause functions as a complement and gives more information about the subject or object.

• The problem is that we ran out of time.

• My wish is that everyone stays safe.

Object of a Preposition: Sometimes, a noun clause follows a preposition.

• I am interested in what she has to say.

• He is known for how cleverly he argues.

Indirect Object: The noun clause tells us for whom or to whom the action is performed.

• Give whoever needs it a helping hand.

 

How to Identify a Noun Clause?

Here are some simple tips to identify a noun clause:

• Look for a group of words that has a subject and a verb.

• Check if the group of words functions like a noun in the sentence.

• Look for common clause starters such as what, why, how, that, whether, or if.

 

Rules for Using Noun Clauses

Learning the rules of noun clauses helps you write correct and natural sentences. Here are some easy rules to remember.

A Noun Clause Cannot Stand Alone

A noun clause is a dependent clause, so it cannot be a complete sentence by itself. It must be connected to a main clause.

Incorrect: Whatever you decide.

Correct: Whatever you decide is fine with me.

Use Normal Sentence Word Order

In noun clauses, use normal subject + verb order, not question order.

Incorrect: I wonder where is she going.

Correct: I wonder where she is going.

Incorrect: Tell me where does he live.

Correct: Tell me where he lives.

Do Not Write Noun Clauses Like Direct Questions

Even if a noun clause starts with a question word, it is part of a statement.

Incorrect: Can you tell me where the library is?

Correct: Can you tell me where the library is?

‘That’ Can Sometimes Be Removed

In spoken English, that is often omitted.

I think that you are right.

I think you are right.

Both sentences are grammatically correct.

Use ‘Whether’ Instead of ‘If’

Use whether when talking about choices or possibilities. In formal writing, whether is preferred over if.

I don’t know whether she will attend.

I’m not sure whether he’ll attend.

Noun Clauses Usually Do Not Need Commas

Noun clauses generally do not require commas.

Incorrect: I think, that she is right.

Correct: I think that she is right.

Replace the Clause with ‘Something’ or ‘Someone’

A simple trick to identify a noun clause is to replace it with something or someone.

I know that he’s coming.

I know something.

 

What Do Noun Clauses Start With?

Noun clauses often start with by specific subordinating words. Here is a list of words that start with noun clauses. 

Interrogative pronoun: 

Who

Whom

Whose

Which

What

Relative pronouns:

who

what

where

when

why

how

that

which

Indefinite relative pronouns:

whoever

whomever

whatever

wherever

whenever

whichever

Expletive / Subordinating conjunction:

if

whether

that

 

Noun Clause Examples

Here are some noun clause examples for better understanding.

• I understand what you mean.

• Why she left remains a mystery.

• The teacher explained how the machine works.

• She asked whether I liked the movie.

• We know that he is hardworking.

• What she said surprised everyone.

• He knows that I am telling the truth. 

• My goal is to achieve what I have always wanted. 

• She asked whether I had finished my homework. 

• I am worried about how he will manage alone.

• Whoever finishes first will get a prize. 

• Please tell me where you hid the keys.

• The fact is that no one knows the answer.

• I do not care what others think of me

• Give the trophy to whoever wins the competition.
  
  

Noun Clauses vs Relative Clauses 

Here is a difference between noun clause and relative clause(adjective clauses). 

 

Noun Clauses vs Noun Phrases

Noun clauses and noun phrases often sound similar, but they are grammatically different. Here is a clear comparison:\

Noun Clause Exercises

Exercise A: Identify the Noun Clause

Underline the noun clause in each sentence.

1. I believe that hard work always pays off.

2. No one knows where she has gone.

3. What the teacher said was very helpful.

4. She is not sure whether she passed the exam.

5. Tell me how you solved that problem.

6. Whoever studies regularly will succeed.

7. The mystery is why he disappeared suddenly.

8. I heard that a new student joined the class.

9. He gave whatever he had to the poor.

10. It is obvious that she is talented.

Answers:

1. I believe that hard work always pays off.

2. No one knows where she has gone.

3. What the teacher said was very helpful.

4. She is not sure whether she passed the exam.

5. Tell me how you solved that problem.

6. Whoever studies regularly will succeed.

7. The mystery is why he disappeared suddenly.

8. I heard that a new student joined the class.

9. He gave whatever he had to the poor.

10. It is obvious that she is talented.

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Option

1. I know ______ she lives.

1. Where

2. which

2. She asked ______ I was tired.

1. If

2. because

3. ______ he said was surprising.

1. What

2. Which

4. Tell me ______ you solved the problem.

1. How

2. Whose 

5. I wonder ______ they will arrive.

1. When

2. Whom

Answers: 

1. where

2. if

3. What

4. how

5. when