Remember all clauses are composed of a

subject (noun) and a verb.

Some clauses are independent meaning
they can stand alone as a complete
thought. This is a sentence.
Other clauses are dependent (also called
subordinate) meaning that they do not
complete a thought but depend on an
independent clause to complete the
thought.
 Used alone, dependent clauses are fragments
and are errors in writing.
Used with an independent clause, they help
add depth and complexity to the structure of
the sentence.
There are three types of complex sentences:
adverb clauses which answer how, when,
why, where, to what extent; adjective clauses,
which answer which one, what kind and how
many, and noun clauses which function in the
same capacity as a noun.
 Noun clauses function in the same way
that a noun functions: subject, predicate
nominative, direct object, indirect object or
object of the preposition.
You will not use commas with noun
clauses because they will function the
same as the noun functions in a sentence.
Noun clauses may begin with words such
as when, that, where, who, whichever,
whoever, how.
 Noun clause used as the subject:

How students can apply for college loans

was the speakers topic.

What I like most about Harriet is that she

never complains.
 Noun clause used as a predicate
nominative:

My suggestion is that we all meet again

tomorrow.

What I like most about Harriet is that she

never complains.
 Noun clause used as a direct object:

Many modern historians question whether

Columbus was truly the first European to
explore the Americas.

Psychologists have learned that everyone

dreams during sleep.
 Noun clause used as a indirect object:

Ms. Romero offers whoever completes

additional assignments extra credit.

The radio station will give whoever can

answer the next question one hundred
dollars.
 Noun clause used as an object of a
preposition:

Write about whomever you admire.

Chris will do well at whatever he attempts.

Complex sentences Noun clauses
Whatever doesnt kill us makes us stronger.
Travel tests how we cope with problems.
It gives whoever wants it practice with
flexibility.
New experiences are what we crave.
Turning whichever corner we find brings
new excitement.
Who we are determines our ability to face
obstacles.