1. A noun clause is a subordinate clause that functions as a noun
Noun Clauses
A noun clause is a subordinate clause that functions as a noun

2. Like a noun . . .
A noun clause can be a subject, a predicate nominative, a direct object, an indirect object, or an object of a preposition.
It can come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

3. Examples . . . Which coat to choose is Mohammad’s dilemma. [subject]
The issue is how long should we wait. [predicate nominative]
Give what you can to this worthy cause. [direct object]
Please send whoever is interested this questionnaire. [indirect object]
Please help yourself to whatever you need. [object of preposition]

4. Words that can Introduce Noun Clauses
How If
That
What
Whatever
When
Where
Whether
Which
Who
Whoever
Whom
Whomever
Whose
Why

5. Writing Tip: Use Noun Clauses Sparingly
An overuse of noun clauses can make your writing sound stuffy and stilted.
Original: Whatever the grade may be is not the issue.
Less formal, less wordy: The grade is not the issue.

6. Noun Functions
If a noun or noun clause comes before the verb, it works as the subject.
If a noun or noun clause comes after an action verb, it works as the direct object.
If a noun or noun clause comes after a being verb, it works as the predicate nominative.
If a noun or noun clause comes between an action verb and a direct object, it works as the indirect object.
If a noun or noun clause comes after a preposition, it works as the object of the preposition.

7. Quick Notes S = before subject DO = after action verb
PN = after being verb
IO = after action verb, before direct object
OP = after preposition

8. Identify Noun Clauses
You know that you’re the fastest runner on the team.
Whoever wins tomorrow’s race will compete in the county meet.
A better long jumper is what we need most on this team.
Coach Lazdowski certainly knows when she can get the maximum effort out of us.
What she does with this team is quite impressive.

9. Identify Noun Clauses
You know that you’re the fastest runner on the team.
Whoever wins tomorrow’s race will compete in the county meet.
A better long jumper is what we need most on this team.
Coach Lazdowski certainly knows when she can get the maximum effort out of us.
What she does with this team is quite impressive.

10. Identify the noun clauses
Why Jimmy didn’t try out for the team is beyond me.
Why can’t we just make whoever is qualified part of this team?
Only the individual involved can decide whether he or she will try out for a team.
Please give whoever tries out next year lots of encouragement.
Sometimes, the problem is deciding which of two teams to join.

11. Identify the noun clauses
Why Jimmy didn’t try out for the team is beyond me.
Why can’t we just make whoever is qualified part of this team?
Only the individual involved can decide whether he or she will try out for a team.
Please give whoever tries out next year lots of encouragement.
Sometimes, the problem is deciding which of two teams to join.

12. Practice…
Complete exercise 6 on page 502 of your Elements of Language book.

13. Writing with Noun Clauses

14. In your groups—add a noun clause that begins with the word in parentheses.
(how) ________________ win that game?
(that) ________________ surprised everyone.
I really want (what) _________________.
(which) _____________ matters to us.
(who) _____________ depends on my mood.
I think I know (whose) _______________.

15. In your groups—add a noun clause that begins with the word in parentheses.
We can do (whatever)________________.
You can invite (whoever) _____________.
This is to (whomever) ________________.
(why) ______________ is beyond me.
I don’t know (if) _____________________.
Let me know (whether) ______________.
(how)_______________ is your choice.
(when)_______________ is important.
I know (where)______________________.

16. Write a noun clause to replace the pronoun in each of these sentences.
I know it.
That is my favorite.
She is awesome.
We did it.
He understands it.
Mr. Ledger did not tell us that.
The crowd applauds for her.
I always give prizes to them.
Did you see that?
This is for him.

17. Identifying the Functions of Nouns
Remember…
S = before verb
DO = after action verb
PN = after being verb
IO = after action verb, before direct object
OP = after preposition

18. Try it alone. Identify how each underlined noun clause functions.
Remember…
S = before verb
DO = after action verb
PN = after being verb
IO = after action verb, before direct object
OP = after preposition
Identify how each underlined noun clause functions.
What I need is in my own room.
The happiest time was when we went to Costa Rica.
She believes that lost time is never found.
We will give whoever wins the contest a prize.
She has written an article about how she was elected to the Senate.
Do you know what the problem is?
The problem was that she is worried.
He told us that attendance is improving.
The judge mentioned that she was born in Mulvane.
It was for whom the bell tolled.

19. How did you do? Subject Predicate nominative Direct object
Indirect object
Object of the preposition

20. Write your own.
Write sentences of your own using noun clauses in each of the following functions.
Subject
Direct object
Predicate nominative
Indirect object
Object of the preposition
Be sure to underline the noun clause in each of your sentences.
Remember…
S = before verb
DO = after action verb
PN = after being verb
IO = after action verb, before direct object
OP = after preposition

21. Embedded Grammar
Noun Clauses in Lyrics

22. “As Long as You Love Me”

23. “Iris”

24. “I Just Wanna Shake”