Noun Clauses
Noun Clauses
Noun Clauses
Datos Generales
Unit number 2
COURSE COMPETENCY
Learning Outcomes:
Noun Clauses
A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. It can be used as the
subject, direct object, indirect object, object of a preposition, subject
complement, or appositive.
Direct object: You must choose which flavor of ice cream you want.
Subject complement: Michael's excuse was that he had forgotten to set his
alarm.
Appositive: It seems to bother the teacher that all the students are being too
quiet.
(That the students are being too quiet seems to bother the teacher. Note that
the appositive renames It, but does not follow immediately like other
appositives.)
Hint:
Whoever is responsible for this mess needs to clean it up. (Whoever is the
subject of the verb is.)
Whomever you hit accidentally deserves an apology. (Whomever is the direct
object of the verb hit.)
Some noun clauses, especially those used as subjects, begin with that, which
seems to serve no function. It makes sense if you include the fact or the
idea before it. Some modern English constructions that seem to make no sense
are the result of our dropping words.
Example:
Question clauses - In a noun clause, even if the main clause is a question, the
dependent clause is written as a declarative.
Noun Clauses
A noun clause is a clause that plays the role of a noun. For example (noun
clauses shaded):
(Like all clauses, a noun clause has a subject and a verb. In this example, the
subject of the clause is "I" and the verb is "see.")
(In this example, the subject of the clause is "patience" and the verb is "has.")
• I like innovation.
• I know people.
The words in bold are all nouns. This proves that the shaded clauses in the first
two examples are functioning as nouns.
The Composition of a Noun Clause
Let's look quickly at the definition for "clause."
Definition of "Clause"
A clause has a subject and a verb and functions as one part of speech.
(It follows therefore that a noun clause functions as a noun in a sentence.)
Lots of noun clauses start with "that," "how," or a "wh"-word (i.e., "what," "who,"
"which," "when," "where," or "why"). For example:
(Pronoun test: "It is true." This proves that "What I say" is functioning as a noun.)
(Pronoun test: "Show me them." This proves that "how they work" is functioning
as a noun.)
Easy Examples of Noun Clauses
Here are some easy examples of noun clauses. In each example, the noun
clause is shaded, the subject of the clause is bold, and the verb of the noun
clause is underlined.
(Often, the opening word (i.e., "how," "that," or the "wh"-word) is the subject of
the noun clause.)
• Light knows when you are looking at it. ("Light and space" artist James
Turrell)
(Here, the noun clause is the direct object of the verb "knows.")
• It is a light thing for whoever keeps his foot outside trouble to advise and
counsel him that suffers. (Greek tragedian Aeschylus)
• Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. (Playwright
George Bernard Shaw)
Native English speakers use noun clauses without too many snags. However,
here are two issues related to noun clauses that occasionally arise.
Using a noun clause starting with "That" as a subject grates on the ear.
If it grates on your ears, opt for "The fact that" instead of just "That." Bear in
mind, however, that "The fact that" is considered by some to be a tautology (a
needless repetition), meaning it has its own issue.
If you don't like "That" or "The fact that," then reword your sentence.
Choose the right version of "who" and "whom" at the start of a noun clause.
"Who" is the subject of a verb. "Whom" isn't. It's the same deal with "whoever"
and "whomever."
(Here, "whoever" is the subject of the verb "is." Note that the clause "whoever is
interested" is the object of the preposition "between," but that doesn't mean
that "whoever" becomes "whomever." If your "whoever" is the subject of a
verb, then "whoever," not "whomever," is correct.)
If this made no sense to you whatsoever, just go with "who" or "whoever" every
time. Firstly, they're more common, but, secondly, most grammarians agree
that "whom" and "whomever" are on their last legs in English. They're going the
same way as "hither" and "thither."
ACTIVIDAD DE EVALUACIÓN DE LA SEMANA
Nombre de la Actividad Noun Clauses together
Tipo de Actividad Written Activity
Tipo de Participación In pairs
Analyze with greater precision the characteristics,
concepts, and functions of sentences through the
Competencia especifica
structuring and application of grammar rules of a
de la asignatura
morphological and syntactic type at an advanced level,
working individually and collaboratively.
Instrucciones para la
Read the Attached document for further details
actividad
Fecha de Entrega March 05th, 2024 – 23: 55p.m
Instrumento de
Worksheet
evaluación
Ponderación Formative Assessment
THE NOUN CLAUSE
A noun clause is a subordinate clause used as a noun in the sentence. A noun clause
may be used as a subject or direct object of the verb, as a predicate noun, as
object of the preposition, or as an appositive.
2. Susan thinks that she will get the job at Martin's Store.
7. Whoever sent us this letter should have signed his or her name.
10. That anyone else could be doing the same experiments never occurred to him.
11. The old man knew where the treasure was kept.
12. I'll never forget what happened on our way to the carnival.
14. Amy assured Miss Jordan that she understood the problems.
15. What happened on June 30, 1973, will never be forgotten in our town.
18. Whoever sent us this Christmas card forgot to sign his or her name.
20. Mr. Norman regrets that he didn't travel more in his youth.
Complete the following online quiz: (individual, paste the two screenshots)
https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/noun_clauses.htm