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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