Noun Clauses

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Noun Clauses

• A noun clause is a subordinate clause that
  functions as a noun

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Like a noun . . .

• A noun clause can be a subject, a predicate
  nominative, a direct object, an indirect object,
  or an object of a preposition.
• It can come at the beginning, middle, or end of a
  sentence.

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Examples . . .

• Which coat to choose is Mohammads dilemma.
  subject
• The issue is how long should we wait. predicate
  nominative
• Give what you can to this worthy cause. direct
  object
• Please send whoever is interested this
  questionnaire. indirect object
• Please help yourself to whatever you need.
  object of preposition

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Words that can Introduce Noun Clauses

• How
• If
• That
• What
• Whatever
• When
• Where
• Whether

• Which
• Who
• Whoever
• Whom
• Whomever
• Whose
• Why

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Writing Tip Use Noun Clauses Sparingly

• An overuse of noun clauses can make your writing
  sound stuffy and stilted.
• Original Whatever the grade may be is not the
  issue.
• Less formal, less wordy The grade is not the
  issue.

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Identify Noun Clauses

1. You know that youre the fastest runner on the
   team.
2. Whoever wins tomorrows race will compete in the
   county meet.
3. A better long jumper is what we need most on this
   team.
4. Coach Lazdowski certainly knows when she can get
   the maximum effort out of us.
5. What she does with this team is quite impressive.

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1. Why Jimmy didnt try out for the team is beyond
   me.
2. Why cant we just make whoever is qualified part
   of this team?
3. Only the individual involved can decide whether
   he or she will try out for a team.
4. Please give whoever tries out next year lots of
   encouragement.
5. Sometimes, the problem is deciding which of two
   teams to join.

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Around the World with Clauses