Noun Clauses

A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun in a sentence. It can function as a subject, object, or complement.

A noun clause can serve as a subject, an object, or a complement in a sentence.

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a subordinate clause cannot stand alone and depends on an independent clause.

"What she said surprised everyone." (The noun clause 'What she said' is the subject.)

"I don't know where he went." (The noun clause 'where he went' is the object of the verb 'know.')

The word 'that' is often used to introduce a noun clause, indicating that what follows is a statement or idea.

The noun clause is 'that he will come.'

A complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a subject or verb.

"Although it was raining, we went for a walk." (The clause 'Although it was raining' is subordinate.)

Look for a clause that can be replaced with a noun and often begins with words like 'that,' 'what,' 'who,' or 'whether.'