Noun Clause

What is a Noun Clause?

A noun clause is a dependent (or subordinate clause) that works as a noun. It can be the subject of a sentence, an object, or a complement. Like all nouns, the purpose of a noun clause is to name a person, place, thing, or idea. Sometimes when we want to name something, a single word won’t do – sometimes we need a group of words to name something. That is why we use noun clauses.

Type of Noun Clause:

1. Subject Noun Clause

2. Direct object Noun Clause

3. Object of Preposition Noun Clause

4. Subject as Complement Noun Clause.

Functions of Noun Clause :

As explained earlier, that noun clause can function both subject and object in a sentence. The various functions of the noun clause are as follows:

-       Subject of Sentence

Noun clause can function as a subject in a sentence.

Example:

What sophie said was not true.

-       Object of a Transitive Verb

Noun clause can function as a transitive verb object in a sentence.

Example:

I know what you said.

-       Object of Preposition

Noun clause can function as a prepositional object in a sentence. Example :

Sophie, you should be careful of what you will say.

-       Complement

Noun clause can function as a complement in a sentence. Example :

My happiness is that I have an honest friend like you, Sophie.