In which sentence does the word "what" act like a noun?a)What are you ...
In the sentence "I didn’t hear what you said," the phrase "what you said" is a noun clause acting as the object of the verb hear. Here, "what" introduces the clause and functions like a noun.
In which sentence does the word "what" act like a noun?a)What are you ...
Understanding "What" as a Noun
In the context of the sentences provided, the word "what" can serve different grammatical roles. Let's explore why option 'C' is the correct answer.
Analysis of Each Option
- a) What are you doing?
In this sentence, "what" is functioning as an interrogative pronoun. It is used to ask a question and does not act as a noun.
- b) What a lovely day!
Here, "what" acts as an exclamatory expression. It emphasizes the adjective "lovely," but it is not used as a noun.
- c) I didn’t hear what you said.
In this sentence, "what" functions as a noun. It refers to the content or thing that was said, making it a noun clause. The phrase "what you said" can be thought of as a noun, representing a specific idea or information.
- d) What time is it?
Similar to option 'a', "what" serves as an interrogative pronoun here, asking for specific information about time.
Conclusion
The word "what" in option 'C' is the only instance where it acts as a noun. It encapsulates the idea of "the thing that was said," fulfilling the role of a noun within the sentence. Understanding the different grammatical roles of words can greatly enhance language skills, especially for young learners.