ADVERB CLAUSE OR NOUN CLAUSE? 1
C1 · AdvancedA noun clause can act as a subject or object, while an adverb clause adds information such as time, reason, or condition. This exercise explores how the role of a clause determines whether it fits the surrounding sentence.
Identify whether the underlined clause is an adverb clause (AC) or a noun clause (NC).
1. _______________ I feel better.
Correct answer: Now that he told me, (AC) — adverb clause — modifies the main clause by giving a reason/condition.
2. _______________ is very surprising.
Correct answer: That he came here (NC) — noun clause — acts as the subject of is very surprising.
3. I think it's important _______________.
Correct answer: that we study hard for this exam (NC) — noun clause — object of the adjective important via it is important that.
4. I think she realized he was lying ________________ .
Correct answer: when she spoke to him (AC) — adverb clause — tells us when she realized; modifies the verb.
5. It's important _______________ .
Correct answer: that we let people know about the dangers of alcohol abuse (NC) — noun clause — the object of it's important that.
6. He went back to France _______________.
Correct answer: because he needed to renew his passport (AC) — adverb clause — gives the reason he went back to France.
7. Maria was upset because her boyfriend didn't believe her ________________.
Correct answer: when she told him she loved him (AC) — adverb clause — tells us when he didn't believe her.
8. _______________ made me feel better.
Correct answer: What he told me (NC) — noun clause — acts as the subject of made me feel better.
9. _______________, we went to bed early.
Correct answer: Because we had an early flight (AC) — adverb clause — gives the reason they went to bed early.
10. My mother will be upset _______________.
Correct answer: that you lied to her (NC) — noun clause — the object of the adjective upset via upset that.
KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
Distinguishing adverb and noun clauses is an advanced skill — these exercises cover the full range of clause types in English.
More clause exercises:
Adjective clauses 1 (B2/C1)
Adverb clauses 1 (B2)
Reduced adverb clauses 1 (B2/C1)
Noun clauses 1 (B2)
Noun clauses 2 (B2)
Noun clauses 3 (B2)
Related advanced exercises:
Relative clauses 1 (B1/B2)
Relative adverbs (formal) 1 (B2)
Conjunctive adverbs 2 (C1/C2)
Conjunctive adverbs 3 (B2/C1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
Distinguishing adverb and noun clauses is an advanced skill — these exercises cover the full range of clause types in English.
More clause exercises:
Adjective clauses 1 (B2/C1)
Adverb clauses 1 (B2)
Reduced adverb clauses 1 (B2/C1)
Noun clauses 1 (B2)
Noun clauses 2 (B2)
Noun clauses 3 (B2)
Related advanced exercises:
Relative clauses 1 (B1/B2)
Relative adverbs (formal) 1 (B2)
Conjunctive adverbs 2 (C1/C2)
Conjunctive adverbs 3 (B2/C1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
