Understanding noun clauses

A refresher on clauses

First, refresh your memory of what a clause is: a grouping of words that always contains a subject (aka a noun) and a verb. For example, the following sentence is a complete clause:

• The cat sleeps.

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With just three words, this is as simple a sentence as you can form that still makes grammatical sense. That makes this clause an independent clause because it stands alone. Another form of a clause is a dependent clause:

• on the windowsill.

This is not a standalone sentence, because it is missing something: a subject or a noun, and a verb. However, if you combine these two forms together, you get a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause:

• The cat sleeps on the windowsill.

The noun is “the cat,” the verb is “sleeps,” and the dependent clause is “on the windowsill.” Congratulations, now you have a grammatically correct sentence!

What are noun clauses?

When a clause acts as a noun itself, that’s a noun clause. Just like a traditional noun, it can serve as the subject, object, or complement of a verb. Unlike traditional nouns that can represent a person, place, thing, or idea, a noun clause functions as a noun while also containing its own subject and verb. This gives it the unique ability to act as both the subject and object in a sentence.

Noun clauses are used when referring to a subject that isn’t specific or mentioned directly in the sentence. Consider the following example:

• I like what I see.

While we don’t know what the subject of the sentence (“I”) is looking at, the clause “what I see” nonetheless serves as the noun in this sentence. If you were to replace “what I see” with a noun, the sentence would add specificity but still function the same:

• I like the blue car.

Here, the noun clause has been replaced by an actual noun (“blue car”).

You likely use noun clauses in everyday speech. While it’s a relatively advanced grammatical topic, its commonplace usage reflects how important it is. Therefore, the following examples of noun clauses might seem familiar:

• I couldn’t understand what that play was about.
• Whoever you are, I like the cut of your jib.
• I don’t know how your dog eats so fast.
• What you wish is my command.

In essence, noun clauses are the building blocks of well-structured sentences and effective communication. These noun clauses are typically introduced by subordinating conjunctions such as “how,” “whether,” “what,” and “who.” The Five Ws that are used for gathering information—who, what, when, where, why, how—are a vital foundation for most noun clauses.

Build further confidence in your grammar skills by refreshing your knowledge in concepts such as coordinating conjunctions, the proper way to use semicolons, and even the potentially complicated (yet commonly used) forms of simple past tense.