The Noun Clause



The Noun Clause :



Connectives of the Noun Clause :

There are three kinds of connectives by which a Noun Clause can be introduced.

(1) The Conjunction THAT used in a merely introductory sense.

We did not know that he would leave us so soon.

(2) An Interrogative Adverb provided that no Antecedent is expressed.

Where he is going is not known to anyone. (Interrogative)
Let us inquire whether he will go today. (Interrogative)

The Conjunction IF can be used for WHETHER as an Interrogative Adverb.

Let us inquire if he will go today.
Let us inquire whether he will go today.

(3) An Interrogative or a Relative Pronoun provided that in the latter case no Antecedent is expressed.

I want to know who came here today. (Interrogative)
Who steals my purse steals trash. (Relative)

The Noun Clause, since it does the work of a Noun, can be…

(a) The Subject to a Verb
(b) The Object to a Verb
(c) The Object to a Preposition
(d) The Complement to a Verb
(e) In Apposition to a Noun

(a) Subject to a Verb

1. Why he resigned is a mystery.
2. Where he is going is not known to anyone.
3. That he will come back soon is certain.
4. Whether he did so is doubtful.
5. How long she stayed there is unknown.

(b) Object to a Verb

1. We asked her how old she was.
2. I always do whatever is right.
3. He promised that he would soon pay back the debt.
4. I shall be glad to know when he will pay it.
5. Tell me where she lives.
6. Tell me why she cried.
7. No one knows who she is.
8. Ask if dinner is ready.

(c) Object to a Preposition

1. Pay careful attention to what he says.
2. They were arguing about who should do it.
3. Except that he speaks too fast he is an excellent teacher.

(d) Complement to a Verb

1. My belief is that she is innocent.
2. This is exactly what I expected.
3. My question was whether there was any hope of his recovery.
4. This is what no one can understand.
5. Her one prayer was that her husband might live.
6. Life is what we make it.

(e) In Apposition to a Noun

1. The news that he intended to come gave us much pleasure.
2. The report that he had gone proved to be untrue.
3. It is evident that she does not intend paying the money.

In this last sentence the Noun Clause is in apposition to the introductory pronoun IT.

The Conjunction THAT is often left out.

1. He said (that) he was sorry.

The Four Kinds of Noun Clause :

There are four kinds of Noun Clause, corresponding to the four kinds of Simple sentences (Statement, Question, Desire and Exclamation).

1. A Noun Clause formed out of a Statement is called a Dependent Statement.

Rama says that Ali is a good boy.

2. A Noun Clause formed out of a Question is called a Dependent Question.

I ask you how many girls there are in your class.

3. A Noun Clause formed out of a Desire is called a Dependent Desire.

I advise that promises be kept.

4. A Noun Clause formed out of an Exclamation is called a Dependent Exclamation.

See how they run!

  • Connectives of The Noun Clause
  • The Four Kinds of Noun Clause
  • Sample Sentences with Noun Clause


    RELATED PAGES :



    1. A Sentence - 1
    2. A Sentence - 2
    3. A Sentence - 3
    4. The Structure of Sentences
    5. Kinds of Sentences
    6. A Clause and A Phrase
    7. The Noun Clause
    8. The Adjective Clause
    9. The Adverb Clause
    10. Adverb Clauses
    11. Adjective Clauses
    12. Noun Clauses
    13. Three Kinds of Clauses
    14. Sample Sentences with Clauses
    15. Simple Sentences ( Simple Sentence )
    16. Double Sentences
    17. Multiple Sentences
    18. Complex Sentences
    19. Attributive Adjuncts
    20. The Predicate
    21. Adverbial Adjuncts to Verb of Predicate
    22. Analysis of Sentences
    23. Contracted Sentences
    24. Analysis of Double Sentences
    25. Analysis of Multiple Sentences
    26. Rules for Analysing Double Sentences
    27. Rules for Analysing Multiple Sentences
    28. Analysis of Complex Sentences
    29. The Complex Sentences
    30. Analysis of Multiple Sentence
    31. The Transformation of Sentences
    32. Modes of Expressing A Condition in English Grammar
    33. Modes of Expressing A Concessional Clause
    34. Modes of Expressing A Contrasting Clause
    35. Interchange of Degrees of Comparison
    36. Synthesis of Sentences - 1
    37. Synthesis of Sentences - 2
    38. Synthesis of Sentences - 3
    39. The Principal Clause
    40. The Dependent Clause
    41. Verb in The Dependent Clause
    42. Direct Speech and Indirect Speech
    43. Kinds of Sentences
    44. Direct and Indirect Speech
    45. A Sentence without E
    46. Parsed Sentence

      The Noun Clause :



      The Noun Clause To HOME PAGE

      The Sentences Index



  • Share this page:
    Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

    Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

    1. Click on the HTML link code below.
    2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.