Lesson 274 - 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. That he is an honest man cannot be denied.

2. Give whoever can prove ownership the money.

3. I have no opinion about who caused the problem.

4. He knows that he should be long-suffering.

5. A short vacation is what the family is planning.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. That he is an honest man cannot be denied.

- subject

2. Give whoever can prove ownership the money.

- indirect object

3. I have no opinion about who caused the problem.

- object of the preposition

4. He knows that he should be long-suffering.

- direct object

5. A short vacation is what the family is planning.

- predicate nominative

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