A noun category is a sub-clause used as a noun in a sentence. A noun clause can be used as a subject or a specific object of a verb, as a noun, as an adjective, or as an adverb.
What is a Noun Clause?
In simple terms, a noun phrase is a dependent clause that replaces any noun in a sentence, whether it is subject, object, or subject compliments.
For example:
- She was saddened by what she had read.
In the sentence above, the noun phrase what he learned is used as a predicate object by. This is only one example, as there are many different ways that noun clauses can be used.
We need to understand that in a sentence, a noun clause will be a dependent clause. In other words, the noun phrase does not stand alone as a complete concept.
Examples of Noun Clauses
- Ask your son what he wants to eat in lunch only if he is spending. (This noun clause is the direct object of “ask.”)
- That person knows every detail about this art, but he doesn’t know what to select. (This noun clause is the direct object of “know.”)
- It is not easy for a normal ape to believe that he is derived from man. (This noun clause is the direct object of “believe.”)
- It is difficult to tell on what I say is true. (This noun clause is an object of a preposition.)
- Human is what he eats. (This noun clause is a subject complement.)
- The only regret of my life is that I am not like others. (This noun clause is a subject complement.)
Types of Noun Clauses
Let’s take a look at how noun clauses are used.
a. Noun Clauses as Subjects
Example 1
Whoever leaves last should turn off the lights.
In this example, the sentence is about ‘whoever leaves last’. ‘Whoever leaves last’ is also the person performing the action of turning off the lights. Therefore, the noun clause is the subject of the sentence.
Example 2
That people need water to survive should be obvious to everyone.
Here, the sentence is about the fact ‘that people need water to survive’, and so the noun clause works as the subject.
Example 3
In music, which note is played and how long it is played are both essential.
In this example, the sentence is about two things: ‘which note is played’ and ‘how long it is played’. Therefore, both of these noun clauses are the subject of the sentence.
b. Noun Clauses as Objects
Objects are words that ‘receive’ another part of a sentence. There are three types of objects.
Direct objects – receive the action of the verb.
Indirect objects – receive direct objects.
Objects of prepositions – receive prepositions.
Example 1
My dog will eat whatever food I give him.
Here, the noun clause receives the action of the verb ‘eat’ so it is a direct object. It answers the question, “eat what?”
Example 2
The judges will award whichever painting they like the most the blue ribbon.
Here, the noun clause is receiving the direct object ‘blue ribbon’. (‘Blue ribbon’ is the direct object because it is receiving the verb ‘award’.)
Example 3
I want to play with whoever is a good sport.
In this case, the noun clause is receiving the preposition ‘with’.
c. Noun Clauses as Compliments
A compliment re-states or gives more information about a noun. It always follows a state-of-being verb (is, are, am, will be, was, were).
Example 1
The winner will be whoever gets the most votes.
The noun clause here is a complement because it gives more information about ‘winner’.
Example 2
My hope is that everyone here becomes friends.
Here, the noun clause is a complement because it tells more about ‘hope’.