Noun Clause

Learn how to use the noun clause in English.
Sound Grammar

Noun Clause

Watch four conversations using this grammar point on elllo.org.

Can you answer these grammar questions correctly?

Noun Clause

Point 1: A noun clause with a WH-word is often a simplified adjective clause.

The thing that = what

  • I like the clothes that you are wearing.
  • I like what you are wearing.

Where = the place where

  • This is the place where I work.
  • This is where I work.

Who = the person that

  • This is the person that I was talking about.
  • This is who I was talking about.

When = the time when

  • Talk about the time when you were young.
  • Talk about when you were young.

Why = the reason that

  • I don’t know the reason that he does that.
  • I don’t know why he does that.

How = the way that

  • I like the way that you dress.
  • I like how you dress.
Point 2: A noun clause can act as the object of a sentence.
  1. I like what you are wearing.
  2. This is who I was talking about.
  3. I don’t know where you are going with this.
  4. Please explain why you did this.
Point 3: A noun clause can act as the complement of the subject.
  1. This is what I know.
  2. This is where I live.
  3. More money is what you need.
  4. That man is who I was talking about.
Point 4: A noun clause can act as the subject of a sentence.
  1. What you eat says a lot about your health.
  2. Where you work depends on your education level.
  3. Who you know does not matter.
  4. Why he acts that way is a mystery.
Point 5: A noun clause can follow a preposition.
  1. From what I know, he should be here.
  2. It depends on how much money you have.
  3. Let’s talk about why most people believe in miracles.
  4. I am tired of how he acts.