Noun Clauses | Basic Grammar for IELTS PDF Download

Noun Clauses

A noun clause is a type of subordinate clause (dependent clause) that acts as a noun in a sentence. Most of the time noun clauses begin with a relative pronoun like what or whatever. In this noun clause example, “I like who you are,” the noun clause “who you are” acts as a single noun, specifically the direct object for the verb like.

Using Noun Clauses

Noun clauses can perform the same functions as regular nouns in a sentence. They can act as:

• Subject
• Direct object
• Indirect object
• Object of a preposition
• Predicate nominative

Key Points:

(a) Noun clauses replace individual nouns, regardless of their length or the number of words they contain.

(b) They can be detailed and include extra elements such as verbs, adverbs, and prepositional phrases.

Example without a Noun Clause:

• Simple Sentence: "My dog eats things."
• Here, "things" is the direct object of the verb "eats."

Example with a Noun Clause:

• Detailed Sentence: "My dog eats whatever falls on the floor."
• The noun clause "whatever falls on the floor" serves as the direct object.
• This clause includes its own subject ("whatever") and verb ("falls").
• It also contains a prepositional phrase ("on the floor") for added detail.

Function of Noun Clauses

Noun clauses serve as nouns within a sentence, functioning as subjects, objects, or complements of verbs or prepositions.

• They have the flexibility to replace single words, noun phrases, or even entire sentences.
• Examples:
  • Subject: "What she said surprised me."
  • Object: "I know what she said."
  • Complement: "Her main goal is to succeed."

Types of Noun Clauses

Noun clauses can be classified into various types based on their specific functions in a sentence.

• Common types include declarative clauses, interrogative clauses, and exclamatory clauses.
• Examples:
  • Declarative: "I believe that she is right."
  • Interrogative: "He asked where she was going."
  • Exclamatory: "It's amazing how quickly time flies."