Noun Clauses: Acting as a Noun

A noun clause is a type of subordinate clause; it has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as an
independent sentence. A noun clause functions the same way a noun does: as a subject; as a direct
object; as an indirect object; etc. Some noun clauses begin with words such as that, what, why, or other
words that start with wh-.

Example: She didn’t hear what I was saying.

In the example, what I was saying is the noun clause. It is functioning as a direct object.
Underline the noun clause in each sentence below. In the blank write how it is functioning in the sentence.

1. The students were in trouble for what they did in the hall.

It is functioning as direct object

2. What my brother enjoys most is playing soccer.

It is functioning as a subject
3. She explained why she couldn’t come to the party.

It is functioning as a direct object

4. Mrs. Scott assigned whoever was late extra homework.

It is functioning as an indirect object

5. Whoever first ate oysters was very brave.

It is functioning as a subject
6. The speaker told about where he went on his vacation.

It is functioning as a direct object

7. The team knew that they would follow the coach’s instructions.

It is functioning as direct object

8. The club will give whoever wins the race a gold cup.

It is functioning as object of preposition

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 NOUN CLAUSE

What is a noun clause? Need help understanding is a noun clause and what isn’t? Check out our page and find our
noun clause examples and learn how to weave a noun clause into your own writing.

A dependent, or subordinate, clause contains a subject and a verb or verb phrase but does not express a complete
thought. As a result, it cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses can function either as noun clauses, adjective
clauses, or adverb clauses.

What Is a Noun Clause?

A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. Noun clauses begin with words such as how, that, what,
whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why. Noun clauses can act as
subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, predicate nominatives, or objects of a preposition.

Noun Clause ExamplesWhat is a Noun Clause?

( Whoever thought of that idea is a noun clause. It contains the subject whoever and the verb thought. The clause acts as a
subject in the sentence.)

Noun Clause Examples #1) The focus of our work is how we can satisfy customers most effectively.

( How we can satisfy customers most effectively is a noun clause. It contains the subject we and the verb phrase can satisfy.
The clause acts as a predicate nominative in the sentence, identifying focus.)

Noun Clause Examples #2) Choose a gift for whomever you want.

( Whomever you want is a noun clause. It contains the subject you and the verb want. The clause acts as an object of the
preposition for in the sentence.)

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