Noun clause

Definition

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun within a sentence, acting as a subject, object, or complement. These clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like 'that', 'what', 'who', or 'whether', and they provide essential information in sentences without standing alone. By understanding noun clauses, one can better grasp the structure and flow of complex sentences, particularly in distinguishing between independent and dependent clauses, as well as in reducing and expanding clauses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Noun clauses can serve multiple roles in sentences, including functioning as subjects (e.g., 'What he said surprised me.') or as objects (e.g., 'I believe that he is right.').
2. These clauses are always dependent, meaning they cannot stand alone and must be connected to an independent clause to make sense.
3. A common way to identify noun clauses is by looking for introductory words like 'that', 'whether', or 'what', which signal their presence.
4. Noun clauses can be expanded into longer forms by adding modifiers or additional phrases, providing more context to the information conveyed.
5. Reducing noun clauses often involves changing them into simpler phrases, making sentences more concise while preserving their meaning.

Review Questions

• How do noun clauses function in relation to independent and dependent clauses within complex sentences?
  • Noun clauses are considered dependent clauses because they cannot stand alone and rely on independent clauses to convey complete thoughts. In complex sentences, noun clauses serve important functions such as acting as subjects or objects. For instance, in the sentence 'I know that she will come,' the noun clause 'that she will come' is dependent on the independent clause 'I know,' illustrating how these two types of clauses work together.
• Discuss the role of subordinating conjunctions in the formation of noun clauses and their relationship with independent clauses.
  • Subordinating conjunctions are crucial in forming noun clauses as they introduce these clauses and connect them to independent ones. Words like 'that' or 'whether' indicate that the following group of words is not an independent thought but rather adds information related to the main idea. For example, in the sentence 'She wonders whether he will arrive,' the subordinating conjunction 'whether' introduces the noun clause 'whether he will arrive,' linking it to the independent clause and clarifying her uncertainty.
• Evaluate how understanding noun clauses can enhance one's ability to reduce and expand sentences effectively.
  • Understanding noun clauses allows for more precise control over sentence structure when reducing or expanding ideas. By recognizing how these clauses function within sentences, one can simplify complex sentences into clearer forms without losing meaning. For example, transforming 'I believe that he is honest' into 'I believe his honesty' demonstrates this reduction. Conversely, expanding a simple statement with a noun clause can provide additional context, such as turning 'She stated her opinion' into 'She stated that she disagrees with the proposal,' which enriches the information conveyed while maintaining clarity.

Related terms

independent clause: An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought; it can stand alone as a sentence.

subordinating conjunction:

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects an independent clause with a dependent clause, indicating the relationship between them.

relative clause:

A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun and typically begins with a relative pronoun such as 'who', 'which', or 'that'.