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NOUN CLAUSES 2 (WHAT/THAT)

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)




Choose whether each sentence requires THAT or WHAT to complete the noun clause.

1. _______________ he said is not important.
  That
  What

2. _______________ she passed her exam didn't surprise us.
  What
  That

3. How many people know _______________ I'm talking about?
  what
  that

4. She didn't think ________________ her mother would find out.
  that
  what

5. _______________ my brother does on his own time is not your business.
  That
  What

6. I noticed _______________ she was upset.
  that
  what

7. It's too bad ________________ you can't go.
  what
  that

8. They know ________________ he said to her.
  that
  what

9. They knew _______________ he did this.
  what
  that

10. I'm sorry. That's not _______________ I'm looking for.
  what
  that


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GRAMMAR REVIEW! Noun clauses

A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. It can function as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Noun clauses often begin with these words: that, if, whether, what, who, whom, whose, which, when, where, why, how.

Functions of noun clauses:

• Subject of a sentence
What you said is true.
• Object of a verb
→ I know that she's coming.
• Object of a preposition
→ I'm interested in what he thinks.
• Complement (subject or object complement)
→ The truth is that she lied.

TOP TIP! How to recognize noun clauses

Replace the clause with "something" or "someone" - if it works, it's probably a noun clause.
→ I believe that he is honest → I believe something ✅

MORE EXAMPLES:
She said that she was tired. ("that she was tired" is the object of "said")
What you decide doesn't matter. ("what you decide" is the subject)
I'm not sure whether it's ready. ("whether it's ready is the object of "sure")

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