Noun Clause

A noun clause serves the same purpose as a noun. That means it can be the subject or object of a verb. It can also be the object of a preposition or the complement of a verb.

Study the examples given below.

• I don’t know how I will solve this problem.

Here the group of words ‘how I will solve this problem’ contains a subject and a finite verb. Hence, it is a clause. It also serves as the object of the verb know. Any clause that acts as the object of a verb is a noun clause.

More examples are given below.

• I hope that I will get the job. (I hope what? – that I will get the job)

• That he is an honest man is known to all. (Here the clause ‘that he is an honest man’ is the subject of the verb is. Any clause that acts as the subject of the verb is a noun clause.)

Underline the noun clause in the following sentences.

1. What she told me was a lie.
2. I don’t know where he has gone.
3. Please listen to what I am going to say.
4. How we will get out of this mess is the question.
5. He eats whatever he gets.
6. Tell me why you are angry.
7. The problem is that I have lost the money.
8. She doesn’t remember what happened.
9. I will never forget what you did for me.
10. He asked me where I was going.

Answers

See also

Noun clauses