Noun clauses

Like phrases, subordinate clauses can perform the function of the various parts of speech such
as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. A subordinate clause which functions as a noun is called a
noun clause and can serve as a:
Subject

Direct Object

Indirect Object

Predicate Noun

Object of a Preposition

Object Complement

Appositive to a Subject or Object

Examples of a noun clause functioning as subject .

Thomas made her angry.
"Thomas" is a proper noun, functioning as the
subject of this sentence.
That he had even asked her made her angry.
The clause "that he had even asked her" is the
subject of this sentence.

Example of a noun clause functioning as a direct object .

We discovered his arrogance.

"Arrogance" is the object of "discovered."

We discovered what he had asked her.
The clause "what he had asked her" is the
object of the verb "discovered" in this
sentence.

Example of a noun clause functioning as an indirect object .

We showed the professor the error.
"The professor" in this sentence is the indirect
object, and "the error" is the direct object.
She gave every little error her full attention.
The noun clause "every little error" is the indirect object,

that

and "her full attention" is the direct object.

Remember

the direct object should answer the question, "What did she
give?" while the indirect object answers, "To whom (or what)
did she give it?"

Example of a noun clause functioning as a predicate noun . (Remember that a predicate noun
is a subject complement that renames the subject.)
The insult was his audacity.

"Audacity" is an abstract noun which is

the subject complement (predicate noun) of the
subject "insult."
The insult was that he had even asked her.
The clause "that he had even asked her" is the
predicate noun (subject complement) of this
sentence.

Example of a noun clause functioning as an object of a preposition .

She found fault in his question.
"Question" is the object of the preposition
"in."
She found fault in what he had asked her.
The clause "what he had asked her" is the
object of the preposition "in" in this
sentence.

Example of a noun clause functioning as an object complement .

You can call him a scoundrel.
The word "scoundrel" is an object complement
that describes the direct object "him."
You can call him what you wish.
The clause "what you wish" can take the place
of "scoundrel" as object complement.

Example of a noun clause as an appositive to the subject .

We adults understand life better than children.

"Adults" is an appositive that defines the
subject "we."
We that are older understand life better that
children.
The clause "that are older" replaces the word
"adults" and becomes the appositive to the
subject.

Example of a noun clause acting as an appositive to the object.

I hate those brats.
I hate those that oppose me.