Lesson 273 - Parts of the Sentence - Noun Clauses

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A noun clause is a dependent clause that can be used in the same way as a noun or pronoun. It can be a subject, predicate nominative, direct object, appositive, indirect object, or object of the preposition. 

 

Some of the words that introduce noun clauses are that, whether, who, why, whom, what, how, when, whoever, where, and whomever. Notice that some of these words also introduce adjective and adverb clauses. 

 

To check if the dependent clause is a noun clause, substitute the clause with the pronoun it or the proper form of the pronouns he or she.

 

Examples: 

I know who said that. = I know it.

Whoever said it is wrong. = He is wrong.

 

Sometimes a noun clause is used without the introductory word. 

 

Example: 

I know that he is here.

I know he is here.

Instructions: Find the noun clauses in the following sentences and tell how they are used (subject, predicate nominative, direct object, appositive, indirect object, or object of the preposition).

1. Jeff's plea that he might buy a car was denied.

2. Give whoever calls first the prize.

3. Do you know why those people are protesting?

4. His excuse is that he was ill this morning.

5. Send on this secret mission whoever is the best qualified.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Jeff's plea that he might buy a car was denied.

- appositive

2. Give whoever calls first the prize.

- indirect object

3. Do you know why those people are protesting?

- direct object

4. His excuse is that he was ill this morning.

- predicate nominative

5. Send on this secret mission whoever is the best qualified.

- direct object

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