Content
Noun Clauses as Subjects
Objects and Objects of Preposition
Objects and Objects of Preposition
Purpose of a Noun ClauseNoun clauses can be used to name something when a single word isn't enough. It's also important to remember that these clauses are dependent clauses. A dependent clause is one that cannot stand by itself. If a dependent clause is placed alone, it forms a fragment, not a full sentence. An independent clause can act as a sentence by itself, but dependent clauses cannot.
Noun clauses commonly begin with words such as how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why.
Subject of a VerbA noun clause can act as the subject of a verb, and we will break down what that means after some examples:
Object of a VerbIn the same vein, noun clauses can also act as the direct object of a verb:
Subject ComplementLet's pick up the pace a little and see if you can figure out how these noun clauses work as a subject complement (refering back to modify, describe, or complete the subject of the clause):
Object of a PrepositionNoun clauses also act as objects of a preposition.
Adjective Complement
Last but not least, a noun clause can also act as an adjective complement, modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb.
Identifying a Noun ClauseUsing noun clauses in everyday speech is common, as noun clauses often add crucial information to sentences. Remember that noun clauses contain a subject and a verb, are dependent clauses, function as a noun in the sentence, and generally begin with words like that or what. Learning to differentiate between the various types will take time and practice.
.
Noun clauses commonly begin with words such as how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why.
Subject of a VerbA noun clause can act as the subject of a verb, and we will break down what that means after some examples:
- What Alicia said made her friends cry.
- What Megan wrote surprised her family.
- How the boy behaved was not very polite.
Object of a VerbIn the same vein, noun clauses can also act as the direct object of a verb:
- She didn't realize that the directions were wrong.
- He didn't know why the stove wasn't working.
- They now understand that you should not cheat on a test.
Subject ComplementLet's pick up the pace a little and see if you can figure out how these noun clauses work as a subject complement (refering back to modify, describe, or complete the subject of the clause):
- Carlie's problem was that she didn't practice enough.
- Harry's crowning achievement at school was when he became class president.
- Darla's excuse for being late was that she had fogotten to set her alarm.
Object of a PrepositionNoun clauses also act as objects of a preposition.
- Harry is not the best provider of what Margie needs.
- Josephine is not responsible for what Alex decided to do.
- Allie is the owner of that blue car parked outside.
Adjective Complement
Last but not least, a noun clause can also act as an adjective complement, modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb.
- Her family was happy when Meg returned home.
- The child is sad that his stomach hurts.
- I'm excited that my best friend is coming to visit.
Identifying a Noun ClauseUsing noun clauses in everyday speech is common, as noun clauses often add crucial information to sentences. Remember that noun clauses contain a subject and a verb, are dependent clauses, function as a noun in the sentence, and generally begin with words like that or what. Learning to differentiate between the various types will take time and practice.
.