Noun Clauses
Noun clauses in English are dependent clauses that function as a noun in a sentence. In other words, it can act as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. Remember that a clause has a subject and a verb.
Noun clauses usually begin with one of the following words:
that, if, whether, or a WH-word such as who, what, where, when, why, how, and how much.
Before learning noun clauses, make sure you understand the difference between independent and dependent clauses.
👉 Read: Independent and Dependent Clauses in English
Noun Clauses vs Adjective Clauses
A noun clause functions as a noun in the sentence. It can be the subject, object, or complement.
- She decided that she would move to Santiago.
An adjective (relative) clause describes a noun. It gives extra information about a person, place, or thing.
- The house where he lives is beautiful (Adjective clause –> describes house)
If you want to better understand the difference between noun clauses and adjective clauses, review relative clauses first.
👉 Read: Master Relative Clauses in English
Noun Clauses as Subject
A noun clause can function as the subject of a sentence. When this happens, the noun clause comes at the beginning of the sentence and acts as the thing performing the action or being described.
Examples:
- What she said surprised everyone.
- Why he left early remains a mystery.
- Whether they agree does not matter.
- How he solved the problem is impressive.
✔ What he said was surprising.
✘ What he said were surprising.
Noun Clauses as Objects
A noun clause can function as the object of a sentence. When this happens, it receives the action of the verb and usually follows the main verb.
Examples:
- I know that she is busy.
- She explained why she was late.
- We asked whether the store was open.
- He remembers where he parked the car.
Understanding direct and indirect objects will help you recognize how noun clauses function as objects in sentences.
👉 Read: Mastering Direct and Indirect Objects in English
A noun clause commonly follows certain verbs, especially verbs related to thinking, knowing, saying, and asking.
These noun clauses may begin with that, if, whether, or a WH-word such as who, what, where, when, why, or how.
In spoken and informal written English, that is often omitted when the meaning remains clear.
Common Verbs Followed by Noun Clauses
| Verb | Example with Noun Clause |
|---|---|
| know | I know that she is busy. |
| think | I think that this is a good idea. |
| believe | We believe that he is honest. |
| hope | She hopes that she will pass. |
| say | They said that they were tired. |
| explain | He explained why he was late. |
| wonder | I wonder if they are coming. |
| ask | She asked where I lived. |
| tell | He told me that the meeting was canceled. |
| understand | I understand why you are upset. |
Certain adjectives can also be followed by noun clauses. These patterns are commonly used to express feelings, opinions, certainty, or awareness.
After adjectives, noun clauses often begin with that, if, whether, or a WH-word, depending on the meaning.
Common Adjectives Followed by Noun Clauses
| Adjective | Example with Noun Clause |
|---|---|
| sure | I am not sure if he will help. |
| glad | We are glad that you came. |
| happy | She is happy that she passed. |
| worried | They are worried that it might rain. |
| surprised | I was surprised that he knew my name. |
| certain | He is certain that he made the right choice. |
| aware | She is aware that the test is difficult. |
| curious | I am curious why they left early. |
How to Identify a Noun Clause
To identify a noun clause, ask:
Is it dependent?
Does it function like a noun?
Can it be replaced by it?
Examples:
- I know where she lives (I know it).
- I explained how to calculate derivatives (I explained it).
- She believes that her boyfriend is honest (She believes it).
❌ What he said were surprising.
✔ What he said was surprising.
A noun clause used as the subject is usually treated as singular.
❌ She believes her boyfriend honest.
✔ She believes that her boyfriend is honest.
Noun clauses need a complete clause with a subject and verb.
✔ I think that he is right.
✔ I think he is right.
In many object noun clauses, that is optional.
Spanish speakers often make mistakes with noun clauses because Spanish and English use different word order patterns.
1. Keep Statement Word Order
In English noun clauses, do not use question word order.
❌ I know where is he.
✔ I know where he is.
2. Include the Subject
English noun clauses require a complete clause with both a subject and a verb.
❌ She believes that is honest.
✔ She believes that he is honest.
Let’s Practice Noun Clauses
Exercise A
Complete each sentence. Unscrambel the words in parentheses.
- I noticed ______ . (the bride and groom / that / left / had/ the reception)
- I was amazed ______ . (was / fresh / so / air / that / Oaxaca / in / the)
- I had been sure ______ . (she / my / was / that / soulmate)
- I decided ______ . (would / I / that / looking / another / job / for / start)
- The students are happy ______ . (continued / that / studying / English / they)
Exercise B
Use the words in parentheses to complete each sentence with a correct noun clause.
- I know ________. (he / be / honest)
- She explained ________. (she / miss / class)
- We believe ________. (the project / succeed)
- I’m happy ________. (you / come)
- They are worried ________. (the weather / get worse)
- He asked ________. (the meeting / start)
- I understand ________. (you / feel frustrated)
- My parents think ________. (I / work too much)
- She is certain ________. (she / make the right decision)
- What he said ________. (surprise / everyone)
Exercise A
1. I noticed that the bride and groom had left the reception.
2. I was amazed that the air in Oaxaca was so fresh.
3. I had been sure that she was my soulmate.
4. I decided that I would start looking for another job.
5. The students are happy that they continued studying English.
Exercise B
1. I know that he is honest.
2. She explained why she missed class.
3. We believe that the project will succeed.
4. I’m happy that you came.
5. They are worried that the weather might get worse.
6. He asked when the meeting starts.
7. I understand why you feel frustrated.
8. My parents think that I work too much.
9. She is certain that she made the right decision.
10. What he said surprised everyone.
Conclusion
Noun clauses are an important part of English grammar because they allow you to express ideas, thoughts, questions, and information in more complex ways. Once you understand how noun clauses function in a sentence, you can use them naturally after verbs, adjectives, and in subject position.
The key points to remember are:
- A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun
- Noun clauses often begin with that, if, whether, or a WH-word
- Noun clauses can function as subjects or objects
- In many cases, that is optional in object noun clauses
Mastering noun clauses will help you write and speak with greater accuracy and sophistication in English.
Remember! Learning a language is not about perfection—it’s about progress. Keep practicing, stay curious, and trust the process. You are moving beyond English to more opportunities, connections, and self-expression!
Learn how to form included (embedded) questions correctly with clear rules, examples, and common mistakes. Read the full guide here: Mastering Included Questions: Practical Rules, Examples, and Common Mistakes .
Want to explore more English grammar topics? Visit the Cambridge Grammar Guide for additional explanations and examples.
👉 Explore the Cambridge Grammar Guide
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