Noun Clause - Definition, Types and Examples


Noun Clause - Definition, Types, Uses and Examples

Noun clauses, like adjective and adverbial clauses, are common in English. When learning clause structures, you just can't ignore them. Out of 3 major types of a dependent clause, noun clause has been described in detail in this post. This article covers:

1. Noun clause - meaning and definition 
2. Noun clauses examples
3. How to identify a noun clause? 
4. Types of noun clauses
5. Noun clause exercises

Noun Clause - Meaning and Definition

Collins Dictionary defines noun clause as "A clause fulfills the same function as a noun."

ThoughtCo defines noun clause as "Noun clauses are clauses that function as nouns..................Noun clauses, like nouns, can be used as either subjects or objects. Noun clauses are therefore dependent clauses and as a subject or object cannot stand alone as a sentence."

From the definitions above, we learn that:

1. A noun clause is a group of words.
2. Unlike a noun phrase, a noun clause has a subject and predicate.
3. Like a noun, a noun clause is used as the subject, object, subject complement, etc., in a sentence.
4. A noun clause is a type of dependent clause.
5. A noun clause is also known as content clause.
6. As a noun clause is a dependent clause, it cannot stand alone and cannot express a complete thought.


Noun Clauses Examples

a. I know that John is a good boy.
b. That my son has topped has the class is known to all the members of my family. 

The clauses in bold are noun clauses. functioning as a noun, the clause, that John is a good boy became the object of the previous clause, I know, and the clause, that my son has topped the class became the subject of the sentence.
  

How to Identify Noun Clause?

To identify the noun clause, follow the below-given steps carefully.

1. Look for how many clauses there are in a given sentence.
2. Look for the clause which acts as a noun. That is, which clause is subject, object or subject complement in the sentence.
3. Name the clause functioning as a noun a noun or content clause. 


Types and Functions of Noun Clauses

A noun clause, like a noun, becomes a subject, object, subject complement, object complement, object of a preposition. The following are the types and functions of a noun clause. 
 

1. Noun clause as a subject

A noun clause as a subject becomes the subject of a sentence. As a subject, a noun clause cannot stand alone and cannot express a complete. Noun clauses are in bold.  

Noun clause as subject examples:

a. That John is a good guy is known to all his classmates.
b. Whether you go or don't does not matter.
c. What he wrote surprised me a lot.

2. Noun clause as a direct and indirect object

A noun clause becomes a direct or indirect object. As an object, it cannot express a complete thought.  

Noun clause as direct object examples

a. Arnold believes that great age creates great poets.
b. Arnold criticizes what Wordsworth believes.
c. I know why John's sad today.

Noun clause as indirect object examples 

a. I'll give 5 dollars to whoever brings me a sandwich. 
b. I extend a helping hand to whoever is in need.

3. Noun clause as object complement 

A noun clause becomes an object complement. That is, the noun clause is complement to the object mentioned in the independent clause. 

Noun clause as object complement examples 

a. You can call your father or husband whomever you wish. 
b. You may watch this film or that whatever you like.

4. Noun clause as subject complement 

A noun clause becomes the subject complement. That is, it is complement to the subject in the independent clause.

Noun clause as subject complement examples 

a. John's problem is that he can't speak English well.
b. The possibility is whether he'll teach us or not.

5. Noun clause as object of preposition

A noun clause becomes an object of a preposition. 

Noun clause as object of preposition examples

a. I wasn't aware of what was happening there in the meeting.
b. We looked into how many students there were in the classroom.


Noun Clause Exercise 

Find out the noun clauses in the following sentences and identify their functions. Do it yourself and then look at answer keys.

1. Whether I accept this offer or don't is my business.
2. I believe that you can do it.
3. My problem is that I am feeling sleepy right now; therefore, I can't go.
4. You can take this bed or that whatever you want.
5. I'm certainly aware of what you're saying.

Answer keys:

1. Whether I accept this offer or don't (noun as subject)
2. that you can do it (noun as direct object)
3. that I am feeling seepy right now (noun as subject complement)
4. whatever you want (noun as object complement)
5. of what you're saying (noun as object of preposition)


FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a noun clause with examples?

A noun clause is a group of words that functions as a noun. That is, a noun clause becomes a subject, object, subject complement, object complement, etc. A noun clause is a dependent clause as in "That you didn't tell a lie is known to me.".

Which sentences contain a noun clause?

The following sentences contain noun clauses. The noun clauses are in bold.

1. Whether I accept this offer or don't is my business.
2. I believe that you can do it.
3. My problem is that I am feeling sleepy right now; therefore, I can't go.
4. You can take this bed or that whatever you want.
5. I'm certainly aware of what you're saying.