Detailed insight into noun clauses in English

In English, apart from nouns, noun clauses are also crucial in grammar as they serve various functions within a sentence. To ensure a clear understanding, PREP has gathered comprehensive information, examples, and exercises regarding this topic. Let's delve into it!

I. Noun clause definition

A noun clause is a type of dependent clause that operates similarly to a noun phrase within a sentence. These clauses frequently start with words like "that," interrogative pronouns such as "who, whose, what, which, where, when, why, how," or conjunctions like "whether" and "if."

Below are some noun clause examples:

• What Hanna told John at the party surprised him. ➡ In the given example, the entire clause "What Hanna told John at the party" functions as the subject of the sentence. During this instance, this clause is categorized and functions as a noun within the sentence structure.
• Jenny wants to know how she could do this exercise.

II. The functions of noun clauses

A noun clause, as a dependent clause, can indeed function as a subject, complement, or object within a sentence's structure.

For example:

• What Anna was talking about was interesting. 
• I know that Jenny must be tired after a long journey. 
• Martin and Anna argued for hours about when they should start. 
• Her statement that she found the money in the street will not be believed. 

III. Noun clause types

1. Basic structure

Noun clauses have different beginnings, often starting with "that," common question words like "what, who, why, where, when, which, how," or with the conjunctions "whether/if." Their fundamental structure typically involves: 

that/where/what/whether/if…. + S + V

For example about noun clauses:

• Jenny still hasn’t known which course she should take next semester.
• Hanna doesn’t understand why children hate vegetables. 
• That the girl can play the piano at her young age is very impressive. 

2. A comparison between noun clauses and noun phrases

Many of you frequently find it challenging to distinguish between a Noun Clause and a Noun Phrase. Therefore, let's examine the comparison provided in the table below for clarity.

3. Noun phrase reduction

Trimming a noun clause in English can effectively condense the sentence, preventing it from becoming overly lengthy or perplexing for the reader, all while retaining the complete intended meaning.

Noun clauses can only be reduced when they satisfy both of the following conditions:

• The noun clause acts as the object of the verb in the sentence.
• The subject of the noun clause coincides with the main subject in the sentence.

Once the above two conditions are satisfied, the reader can shorten the clause in the following two cases:

IV. Notes on noun clauses

When employing noun clauses in sentences, it's crucial to consider the following notes:

• The word "that" can be omitted from a "that" clause when the noun clause serves as the object in the sentence. However, it's essential not to omit "that" when the noun clause functions as the subject. For instance:
  • Anna knows (that) the world is round. 
  • That Martin doesn’t understand spoken English is obvious. 
• Within a noun clause, the subject typically precedes the verb, maintaining a structure that doesn't necessarily mirror the word order found in a question sentence. 
  • I couldn’t hear what Harry said.
  • Sara wonders whose house that is. 

V. Exercises for noun clauses

After thoroughly studying the theory, let's embark on the practical exercises below for better understanding!

Exercise 1: Join the following two sentences into one sentence using a noun clause

• Martin wants to know. How old is he?

➡ ____________________________________

• Jenny was insecure. Which pages is she reading?

➡ _____________________________________

• Who is that girl? Everyone knows.

➡ _____________________________________

• Does Martin remember? How long has he learned Korean?

➡ _____________________________________

• Please tell Hanna. What did you see last night?

➡ _____________________________________

Bài 2: Choose the correct ansewer

1. Sara often thinks _____ she is getting on.
   1. A. what
   2. B. how
   3. C. that
2. Matin wants to know _____ his wife is angry with his son.
   1. A. that
   2. B. why
   3. C. which
3. Daisy asked her friends _____ they knew her address.
   1. A. if
   2. B. how
   3. C. why
4. Hanna believed _____ she would take part in the race.
   1. A. that
   2. B. what
   3. C. which
5. Martin doesn’t know _____ he can escape this prison.
   1. A. that
   2. B. how
   3. C. where
6. Sara told me _____ she would be happy to participate in my party.
   1. A. that
   2. B. why
   3. C. how

Answers:

VI. Boost Your IELTS Band Score with Confidence 

PREP has compiled comprehensive information on noun clauses in English in the preceding article, encompassing usage explanations, illustrative examples, and exercises complete with answers. If you need a confidence boost, PREP’s real-time practice and expert feedback will help you achieve your target band score 

• Study IELTS online: Turn Your IELTS Goals Into Reality