NOUN CLAUSE

Verb are often followed by objects. Some verbs can be followed by NOUN CLAUSE.

For example : I know where he lives.

Where he lives is a noun clause and it is the object of the verb know.

A noun clause has its own subject and verb.

• I know where he lives.

S   V              O

1. He is the subject of the noun clause
2. lives is the verb of the noun clause.

 A noun clause can begin with a Question Word.

The following question words can be used to introduce a noun clause : when , where , why , how , who , whom , what , which , whose.

For examples :

1.         Q    : Where does he live ?

NC : I don’t know where he lives.   

                                                      S     V

2.         Q         : When did they leave ?

            NC      : I don’t remember when they left.

                                                                  S     V

3.         Q        : What did she say ?

            NC     : Please tell me what she said.

                                                          S     V

4.         Q       : Why is Tom absent ?

            NC    : I wonder why Tom is absent.

                                                 S    V

Noun Clause with Who , What , Whose + Be

1. Q    : Who is that boy ?

                     V       S

    NC : I don’t know who that boy is.

                                                S      V

2. Q    : Whose pen is this ?

                                V   S

    NC : I don’t know whose pen this is.

                                                      S   V

3. Q    : Who is in the office ?

                S   V

    NC : I don’t know who is in the office.

                                    S    V

4. Q    : Whose pen is on the desk ?

                    S         V

    NC : I don’t know whose pen is on the desk.

                                           S       V

Noun Clause which begin with Whether or If

·        When a yes / no question is changed to a noun clause , “ if “ is usually used to    introduce the clause.

Example : Q : is Eric at home ?

                 NC : I don’t know if Eric is at home.

                         S         V                  O

·        When “ if “ introduces a noun clause , the expression frequently comes at the end of the clause.

Example : NC : I don’t know if Eric is at home or not.

·        “ Whether “ has the same meaning as “ if “

Example : I don’t know whether Eric is at home.

·        “ Or not “ can come at the end of the noun clause.

Example : NC : I don’t know whether Eric is at home or not.

·        “ Or not “ can come immediately after “ Whether “.

Example : NC : I don’t know whether or not Eric is at home.

Note : “ Or not “ cannot come immediately after “ V “

Noun Clauses which begin with That

• A noun clause can be introduced by the word that.

Example :1.  I think that Mr.Jones is a good teacher.

                                S    V                            O

• “ That- Clauses “ are frequently used as the objects of verbs which express mental activity.
• The word “ that “ is often omitted especially in speaking , but they still the same meaning.

 Examples : Mary thinks that John is a good actor.

                    Mary thinks john is a good actor.

 Resource : Buku SMA