What is a Noun Clause?
A Noun Clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun.
As a noun clause does the work of a noun, it can be subject to a sentence, object of a transitive verb, object of a preposition, apposition to a noun, or complement to a linking verb.
Examples of Noun Clauses:
- What the boy told was true.
“What the boy told” is the dependent clause. It is the subject of the sentence. Hence this dependent clause is a noun clause.
- I know where he has gone.
“where he has gone” is the dependent clause. It is the object of the verb “know.” Hence this dependent clause is a noun clause.
- I cannot depend on what you say.
“what you say” is the dependent clause. It is the object of the preposition “on”. Hence this dependent clause is a Noun clause.
- His statement that he has never gone there is a lie.
“that he has never gone there“ is the dependent clause. It is in apposition to the noun “statement.”
- His belief is that the coronavirus may have leaked from a lab.
“that the coronavirus may have leaked from a lab” is the dependent clause.It is the complement of the linking verb “is.” Hence this dependent clause is a Noun Clause.