Noun Clauses: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples & Exercises

Understanding noun clauses is crucial for mastering complex sentence structures in English. Noun clauses function as nouns, taking on roles such as subjects, objects, and complements within a sentence.

This guide provides a detailed exploration of noun clauses, covering their definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice to confidently use noun clauses in your writing and speech.

This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking to understand the basics to advanced learners aiming to refine their understanding of complex sentence structures. Teachers and educators will also find this guide a valuable resource for explaining noun clauses to their students.

By the end of this article, you will have a solid grasp of noun clauses and be able to identify and use them effectively in various contexts.

Table of Contents

• 1. Definition of Noun Clauses
• 2. Structural Breakdown of Noun Clauses
• 3. Types of Noun Clauses
  • 3.1. That Clauses
  • 3.2. If/Whether Clauses
  • 3.3. Wh- Clauses
• 4. Examples of Noun Clauses
  • 4.1. Noun Clauses as Subjects
  • 4.2. Noun Clauses as Direct Objects
  • 4.3. Noun Clauses as Indirect Objects
  • 4.4. Noun Clauses as Predicate Nominatives
  • 4.5. Noun Clauses as Objects of Prepositions
  • 4.6. Noun Clauses as Appositives
• 5. Usage Rules for Noun Clauses
• 6. Common Mistakes with Noun Clauses
• 7. Practice Exercises
  • 7.1. Exercise 1: Identifying Noun Clauses
  • 7.2. Exercise 2: Completing Sentences with Noun Clauses
  • 7.3. Exercise 3: Rewriting Sentences Using Noun Clauses
• 8. Advanced Topics in Noun Clauses
  • 8.1 Omitted ‘That’
  • 8.2 Punctuation with Noun Clauses
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• 10. Conclusion

1. Definition of Noun Clauses

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun. This means it can take on any role that a noun can, such as subject, object, complement, or appositive. Noun clauses are essential for constructing complex sentences and expressing nuanced ideas. They add depth and sophistication to your writing and speaking.

Unlike independent clauses, noun clauses cannot stand alone as complete sentences. They always function within a larger sentence structure. These clauses are introduced by words like that, if, whether, who, whom, whose, what, which, when, where, why, and how. Understanding these introductory words is key to identifying noun clauses.

Consider the following example: “What he said surprised everyone.” In this sentence, “what he said” is a noun clause acting as the subject of the verb “surprised.” It’s important to recognize that the entire clause, not just a single word, is functioning as the noun.

2. Structural Breakdown of Noun Clauses

The basic structure of a noun clause typically includes a subordinating conjunction (like that, if, whether, or a wh- word) followed by a subject and a verb. The order is similar to that of a statement, even when the clause is introduced by a question word. This can sometimes be confusing, as the word order differs from direct questions.

For example, consider the sentence, “I don’t know where she lives.” Here, “where she lives” is the noun clause. “Where” is the subordinating conjunction, “she” is the subject, and “lives” is the verb. Notice that the word order within the noun clause is “subject-verb,” not the “verb-subject” order you would find in a direct question like “Where does she live?”.

The subordinating conjunction plays a critical role in introducing the noun clause and connecting it to the main clause. It signals that the following words form a unit that will function as a noun within the sentence.

Without the subordinating conjunction, the clause would be incomplete and unable to perform its noun function. The subject and verb provide the core meaning of the clause, indicating the action or state being discussed.

3. Types of Noun Clauses

Noun clauses can be classified into three main types based on their introductory words: that clauses, if/whether clauses, and wh- clauses. Each type has specific characteristics and is used in different contexts.

3.1. That Clauses

That clauses are introduced by the word “that.” They typically express a fact, opinion, or statement. The “that” can sometimes be omitted, especially in informal writing or speech, but it’s always implied. That clauses are very common and versatile.

For example, “I know that he is coming” is a sentence with a that clause. Here, “that he is coming” is the noun clause acting as the direct object of the verb “know“. The word “that” introduces the clause and connects it to the main verb.

3.2. If/Whether Clauses

If and whether clauses are used to express doubt or uncertainty. They introduce questions that are embedded within a statement. “Whether” is generally considered more formal than “if,” but both are used to indicate a choice between two possibilities.

For instance, “I don’t know if he will come” contains an if clause. The phrase “if he will come” acts as the direct object of “know“. Similarly, “I asked whether she was ready” uses a whether clause as the direct object of “asked.”

3.3. Wh- Clauses

Wh- clauses are introduced by wh- words such as who, whom, whose, what, which, when, where, why, and how. These clauses often refer to unknown information or questions within a statement. The wh- word acts as a connector and often has a grammatical function within the noun clause itself (e.g., subject, object, complement).

An example of a wh- clause is “I don’t know what he wants.” Here, “what he wants” is a noun clause serving as the direct object of “know“. “What” introduces the clause and also functions as the direct object of “wants” within the clause.

4. Examples of Noun Clauses

Noun clauses can function in various roles within a sentence. Understanding these roles is crucial for identifying and using noun clauses effectively.

The following sections provide examples of noun clauses in different grammatical functions.

4.1. Noun Clauses as Subjects

When a noun clause acts as the subject of a sentence, it comes at the beginning of the sentence and is followed by the main verb. This construction can sometimes sound formal, but it’s grammatically correct and adds variety to your writing.

Here’s a table with examples of noun clauses acting as subjects:

Sentence	Noun Clause (Subject)
What he said is true.	What he said
How she did it remains a mystery.	How she did it
That he lied surprised everyone.	That he lied
Whether it will rain is uncertain.	Whether it will rain
What you need is a good rest.	What you need
Who will win is anyone’s guess.	Who will win
Why he left is still unknown.	Why he left
Where she went is a secret.	Where she went
That she succeeded is remarkable.	That she succeeded
What they decided is confidential.	What they decided
How they managed is impressive.	How they managed
Whether they agree is doubtful.	Whether they agree
What she wants is irrelevant.	What she wants
Who is responsible needs to be determined.	Who is responsible
Why he hesitated is understandable.	Why he hesitated
Where they hid was never discovered.	Where they hid
That he was innocent became clear later.	That he was innocent
What they proposed sounded reasonable.	What they proposed
How she explained it made sense.	How she explained it
Whether they understood was unclear.	Whether they understood
What he believed was his own business.	What he believed
Who she admires is evident.	Who she admires
Why he refused is still a question.	Why he refused
Where they met is a significant location.	Where they met
That she accepted was a surprise.	That she accepted

In each of these sentences, the noun clause functions as the subject, performing the action or being described by the verb that follows.

4.2. Noun Clauses as Direct Objects

When a noun clause functions as a direct object, it receives the action of the verb. It typically follows the verb and answers the question “what?” or “whom?”.

Identifying direct objects helps clarify the sentence’s meaning.

Here’s a table illustrating noun clauses as direct objects:

Sentence	Noun Clause (Direct Object)
I know that he is honest.	that he is honest
She asked whether he was coming.	whether he was coming
He explained what happened.	what happened
They understood why she left.	why she left
We discovered where they hid the treasure.	where they hid the treasure
I can’t believe what you did.	what you did
Tell me who is going to the party.	who is going to the party
She wondered how he managed to escape.	how he managed to escape
They predicted that the stock market would crash.	that the stock market would crash
I doubt whether it will rain tomorrow.	whether it will rain tomorrow
He remembered where he parked the car.	where he parked the car
She described what she saw.	what she saw
We investigated who was responsible.	who was responsible
They debated whether they should accept the offer.	whether they should accept the offer
I questioned why he made that decision.	why he made that decision
She revealed where she found the key.	where she found the key
He confirmed that he would attend the meeting.	that he would attend the meeting
I don’t understand how it works.	how it works
They discussed what they should do next.	what they should do next
The report indicates that the company is improving.	that the company is improving
I overheard what they were planning.	what they were planning
She discovered who had been stealing the cookies.	who had been stealing the cookies
They determined how much it would cost.	how much it would cost
I can’t imagine what he’s going through.	what he’s going through
She acknowledged that she made a mistake.	that she made a mistake

In each case, the noun clause directly receives the action of the verb, functioning as the direct object.

4.3. Noun Clauses as Indirect Objects

A noun clause can sometimes function as an indirect object, although this is less common. To identify an indirect object, look for a verb that has both a direct object and someone/something receiving the direct object.

The indirect object usually comes before the direct object and answers the question “to whom?” or “for whom?”.

Here are some examples:

Sentence	Noun Clause (Indirect Object)	Direct Object
I gave whoever needed it the extra supplies.	whoever needed it	the extra supplies
She gave whoever asked the information.	whoever asked	the information
They will give whomever they choose the award.	whomever they choose	the award
He sent whoever was interested the details.	whoever was interested	the details
The company offered whomever they selected the position.	whomever they selected	the position
I showed whoever wanted to see the new exhibit.	whoever wanted to see	the new exhibit
She told whoever would listen the story.	whoever would listen	the story
He promised whoever helped him a reward.	whoever helped him	a reward
We assigned whoever volunteered the task.	whoever volunteered	the task
The teacher gave whoever answered correctly a prize.	whoever answered correctly	a prize

In these sentences, the noun clause indirectly receives the action of the verb, acting as the indirect object.

4.4. Noun Clauses as Predicate Nominatives

A predicate nominative (also called a predicate noun) follows a linking verb (such as is, are, was, were, become, seem) and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence. The noun clause, in this case, essentially defines or explains the subject.

Here’s a table with examples demonstrating this function:

Sentence	Noun Clause (Predicate Nominative)
The problem is that he doesn’t listen.	that he doesn’t listen
My question is whether she will agree.	whether she will agree
The issue is what they will decide.	what they will decide
His concern was how he would pay the bills.	how he would pay the bills
The reason is why he left early.	why he left early
Our main goal is that everyone is safe.	that everyone is safe
The mystery is where she disappeared to.	where she disappeared to
The truth is that we were wrong.	that we were wrong
Her fear is what might happen next.	what might happen next
The challenge is how we can overcome this.	how we can overcome this
The point is whether we can trust him.	whether we can trust him
The solution is what we decide together.	what we decide together
The answer is who is willing to help.	who is willing to help
The difficulty is how to start the project.	how to start the project
His excuse was why he was late.	why he was late
The reality is that we are running out of time.	that we are running out of time
The problem remains how to fix the issue.	how to fix the issue
The question became whether they would support us.	whether they would support us
The key is what you do with the opportunity.	what you do with the opportunity
The secret ingredient is what makes it special.	what makes it special

In each of these sentences, the noun clause renames or identifies the subject, following a linking verb.

4.5. Noun Clauses as Objects of Prepositions

A noun clause can serve as the object of a preposition, following prepositions such as of, to, for, with, about, on, and in. The noun clause completes the prepositional phrase.

Consider this table:

Sentence	Noun Clause (Object of Preposition)	Preposition
I am interested in what he said.	what he said	in
It depends on whether she agrees.	whether she agrees	on
He is worried about how he will manage.	how he will manage	about
She is known for what she has accomplished.	what she has accomplished	for
They are arguing about who is to blame.	who is to blame	about
The success relies on how well we prepare.	how well we prepare	on
I am not responsible for what he does.	what he does	for
She is confident in what she believes.	what she believes	in
He is excited about where they are going.	where they are going	about
We are concerned with why he is acting this way.	why he is acting this way	with
She is grateful for what you have done.	what you have done	for
He is focused on how he can improve.	how he can improve	on
We have to agree on what the next step is.	what the next step is	on
She is thinking about where she wants to travel.	where she wants to travel	about
He is undecided about whether he should accept.	whether he should accept	about
They are interested in who will be selected.	who will be selected	in
She is talking about what she plans to do.	what she plans to do	about
He is speculating on how the event will unfold.	how the event will unfold	on
We are dependent on what the weather will be.	what the weather will be	on
She is relying on who will support her.	who will support her	on
The decision hinges on whether they can agree.	whether they can agree	on
He is reflecting on what he has learned.	what he has learned	on
She is unsure about how to proceed.	how to proceed	about
He is puzzled by why they reacted that way.	why they reacted that way	by
We are impressed by what she has achieved.	what she has achieved	by

In these examples, the noun clause follows a preposition, acting as its object.

4.6. Noun Clauses as Appositives

A noun clause can function as an appositive, which is a word or phrase that renames or explains a noun or pronoun. The appositive noun clause usually follows the noun it modifies and provides additional information about it. Often, the appositive is introduced by “that“.

Here are some examples of noun clauses as appositives:

Sentence	Noun Clause (Appositive)	Noun Modified
The rumor that he resigned is false.	that he resigned	The rumor
The question whether she will come is still open.	whether she will come	The question
The problem how to solve it remains unsolved.	how to solve it	The problem
The fact that she is late is concerning.	that she is late	The fact
His belief that he is right is unwavering.	that he is right	His belief
The hope that they will succeed keeps us going.	that they will succeed	The hope
The news that he won spread quickly.	that he won	The news
Her idea that we should collaborate is excellent.	that we should collaborate	Her idea
The thought that she might fail scared her.	that she might fail	The thought
The possibility that it will rain is high.	that it will rain	The possibility
The assumption that he knew was incorrect.	that he knew	The assumption
The understanding that we would help was clear.	that we would help	The understanding
The agreement that they would cooperate was signed.	that they would cooperate	The agreement
The claim that he was there is unverified.	that he was there	The claim
The suggestion that we reconsider is valid.	that we reconsider	The suggestion
The conclusion that he is guilty is premature.	that he is guilty	The conclusion
The theory that the universe is expanding is widely accepted.	that the universe is expanding	The theory
The evidence that she was involved is compelling.	that she was involved	The evidence
The expectation that he would succeed was high.	that he would succeed	The expectation
The feeling that something was wrong persisted.	that something was wrong	The feeling

In each of these sentences, the noun clause provides additional information about the preceding noun.

5. Usage Rules for Noun Clauses

Using noun clauses correctly involves understanding several key rules. These rules govern the structure, punctuation, and choice of introductory words for noun clauses.

Rule 1: Word Order: The word order in a noun clause is typically the same as in a statement – subject-verb-object (SVO). Even when a wh- word introduces the clause, the subject usually precedes the verb. This differs from the word order in direct questions.

Rule 2: Introductory Words: Noun clauses are introduced by words like that, if, whether, who, whom, whose, what, which, when, where, why, and how. The choice of introductory word depends on the meaning you want to convey.

Rule 3: That Omission: The word “that” can often be omitted, especially in informal contexts, when the noun clause functions as a direct object. However, it’s usually better to include “that” for clarity, especially in formal writing.

Rule 4: If vs. Whether: Use “if” or “whether” to introduce noun clauses that express doubt or uncertainty. “Whether” is generally more formal than “if,” and “whether” is required when the clause is followed by “or not“.

Rule 5: Punctuation: Noun clauses generally do not require any special punctuation unless they are nonrestrictive appositives, in which case they should be set off with commas. Otherwise, treat the noun clause as you would any other noun in the sentence.

Rule 6: Subject-Verb Agreement: When a noun clause acts as the subject of a sentence, the verb must agree with the clause in number. Since the noun clause is considered singular, use a singular verb.

6. Common Mistakes with Noun Clauses

Learners often make common mistakes when using noun clauses. Recognizing and correcting these errors is essential for improving your accuracy.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Word Order: Confusing the word order in a noun clause with that of a direct question. Remember, noun clauses follow the subject-verb order, even when introduced by wh- words.

Incorrect	Correct
I don’t know where does she live.	I don’t know where she lives.

Mistake 2: Omitting the Introductory Word: Forgetting to include the necessary introductory word (that, if, whether, wh- word) at the beginning of the noun clause.

Incorrect	Correct
He said he was coming. (Intended as a formal statement)	He said that he was coming.

Mistake 3: Using “That” Incorrectly: Using “that” when “if” or “whether” is more appropriate, or vice versa.

Incorrect	Correct
I asked him that he was ready.	I asked him whether he was ready.

Mistake 4: Incorrect Verb Tense: Using the wrong verb tense within the noun clause, especially when the main

verb is in the past tense. Make sure to maintain the correct sequence of tenses.

Incorrect	Correct
She said that she will come.	She said that she would come.

Mistake 5: Punctuation Errors: Incorrectly punctuating sentences with noun clauses, such as adding unnecessary commas or omitting necessary ones (in the case of nonrestrictive appositives).

Incorrect	Correct
The fact, that he lied, is concerning.	The fact that he lied is concerning.

Mistake 6: Subject-Verb Agreement: Failing to ensure that the verb in the main clause agrees with the noun clause acting as the subject.

Incorrect	Correct
What he said are not true.	What he said is not true.

7. Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of noun clauses, complete the following exercises. These exercises cover identifying noun clauses, completing sentences with noun clauses, and rewriting sentences using noun clauses.

7.1. Exercise 1: Identifying Noun Clauses

Identify the noun clause in each of the following sentences. Underline the noun clause and indicate its function (subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate nominative, object of preposition, or appositive).

1. I don’t know what he wants.
2. What she said is important.
3. The question whether he will come is uncertain.
4. She is interested in what you think.
5. The rumor that she is leaving is false.
6. I gave whoever needed it the book.
7. The problem is that I have no money.
8. He explained why he was late.
9. It depends on whether they agree.
10. The fact that he lied is concerning.

Answer Key:

1. I don’t know what he wants (direct object).
2. What she said (subject) is important.
3. The question whether he will come (appositive) is uncertain.
4. She is interested in what you think (object of preposition).
5. The rumor that she is leaving (appositive) is false.
6. I gave whoever needed it (indirect object) the book.
7. The problem is that I have no money (predicate nominative).
8. He explained why he was late (direct object).
9. It depends on whether they agree (object of preposition).
10. The fact that he lied (appositive) is concerning.

7.2. Exercise 2: Completing Sentences with Noun Clauses

Complete each of the following sentences by adding an appropriate noun clause.

1. __________ is not always true.
2. I don’t understand __________.
3. She is worried about __________.
4. The problem is __________.
5. It depends on __________.
6. I gave __________ the prize.
7. The question is __________.
8. He is interested in __________.
9. The news __________ surprised everyone.
10. She is confident in __________.

Suggested Answer Key: (Note: Other answers may also be correct)

1. What he says is not always true.
2. I don’t understand what you mean.
3. She is worried about how she will pay the bills.
4. The problem is that we don’t have enough time.
5. It depends on whether they agree to the terms.
6. I gave whoever answered the question correctly the prize.
7. The question is whether she will accept the offer.
8. He is interested in what you have to say.
9. The news that she won the award surprised everyone.
10. She is confident in what she believes.

7.3. Exercise 3: Rewriting Sentences Using Noun Clauses

Rewrite the following sentences using noun clauses.

1. He asked about her arrival time.
2. I don’t know his reasons for leaving.
3. The rumor of his resignation is false.
4. She is unsure if she should accept the job.
5. The fact that he was innocent became clear.

Answer Key:

1. He asked what time she would arrive.
2. I don’t know why he left.
3. The rumor that he resigned is false.
4. She is unsure whether she should accept the job.
5. The fact that he was innocent became clear.

8. Advanced Topics in Noun Clauses

For advanced learners, understanding more nuanced aspects of noun clauses can further enhance their proficiency. This section explores the omitted “that” and punctuation rules related to noun clauses.

8.1 Omitted ‘That’

In certain contexts, the word “that” can be omitted from that clauses, particularly when the clause functions as a direct object. This omission is more common in informal speech and writing but should be used judiciously in formal contexts.

For example, both of the following sentences are grammatically correct:

• She said that she would be there.
• She said she would be there.

However, omitting “that” can sometimes lead to ambiguity or make the sentence harder to read, especially if the subject and verb of the main clause are close together. In such cases, it’s better to include “that” for clarity.

Here are some guidelines for when it’s generally acceptable to omit “that“:

• When the noun clause is a direct object and follows a simple verb like say, think, believe, or know.
• In informal writing or speech.

Here are instances when you should typically include “that“:

• When the noun clause is the subject of the sentence.
• When the noun clause is a predicate nominative.
• When the noun clause is the object of a preposition.
• In formal writing.
• When omitting “that” would cause confusion.

8.2 Punctuation with Noun Clauses

Generally, noun clauses do not require any special punctuation. They are treated as regular nouns within the sentence.

However, there are specific situations where punctuation is necessary:

1. Nonrestrictive Appositives: If a noun clause is a nonrestrictive appositive (i.e., it provides extra, nonessential information), it should be set off with commas.
2. Introductory Clauses: If a noun clause is used as an introductory element and is long or complex, a comma may be used after it for clarity.
3. Clarity: If adding punctuation would improve the readability of the sentence, consider using it.

Here are some examples:

• The fact, that he was lying, was obvious. (Nonrestrictive appositive, commas used)
• What he said, was not very helpful. (Introductory clause, comma used for clarity)
• I know that he is honest. (No comma needed)

It’s important to avoid adding unnecessary commas, as this can disrupt the flow of the sentence and make it harder to understand.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

10. Conclusion

Noun clauses are a fundamental aspect of English grammar, enabling the construction of complex and nuanced sentences. By understanding their definition, structure, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can effectively incorporate noun clauses into your writing and speech.

The examples and exercises provided in this guide offer practical experience to reinforce your learning. With consistent practice, you’ll master the art of using noun clauses, enhancing your overall language proficiency.