Noun clauses

A noun clause functions just like a single-word noun, usually as a subject, subject complement, direct object, or object of a preposition.

It usually begins with one of the following words:

how

whom

where

that

whomever

whether

which

what

whose

who

whatever

why

whoever

when

Example sentence: Whoever leaves the house last must double-lock the door. Explanation: The noun clause Whoever leaves the house last functions as the subject of the sentence.

The noun clause Whoever leaves the house last functions as the subject of the sentence. Whoever is the subject of the clause.

Example sentence: Copernicus argued that the sun is the center of the universe. Explanation: The noun clause that the sun is the center of the universe is the direct object of the verb argued.

The noun clause that the sun is the center of the universe functions as the direct object of the verb argued.

The word introducing a noun clause may or may not play a significant role in the clause. In the preceding example sentences, Whoever is the subject of its clause, but that does not perform a function in its clause.

Order of elements in noun clauses

As with adjective clauses, the parts of a noun clause may appear out of their normal order (subject/verb/object).

Example sentence: New Mexico is where we live. Explanation: The noun clause where we live is in object-subject-verb order.

The parts of a noun clause may also appear in their normal order.

Example sentence: Loyalty is what keeps a friendship strong. Explanation: The noun clause what keeps a friendship strong is in subject-verb-object order.

Words that introduce subordinate clauses

Exercises:

Subordinate clauses 1

Subordinate clauses 2

Subjects of subordinate clauses

Phrases and clauses