Noun Clauses

Noun Clauses

There are three basic types of noun clauses.  These types are 1) noun clauses that start with a question word (where, how, who, when, why), 2) noun clauses that start with whether or if, and 3) noun clauses that start with that. 

 

1. Noun Clauses that Start with a Question

Noun clauses that start with a question are usually used to answer a question.  The following examples should better explain this. 

  

 

• Where does Sarik live?

I don't know where Sarik lives. 

"where Sarik lives" is a noun clause.  We could answer this question without a noun clause by saying the following. 

I don't know Sarik's address.  The noun phrase, Sarik's address, replaces with the noun clause, where Sarik lives. 

  

• What time is it?

I don't know what time it is. 

"what time it is" is a noun clause.  We could answer this question without a noun clause by saying the following. 

I don't know the time.  In this case, the noun phrase, the time, replaces the noun clause, what time it is. 

 

2.  Noun Clauses that Start with Whether or If

Noun clauses that start with whether or if are used to answer yes/no type questions.  Whether and if are usually interchangeable.  The following examples should better explain this. 

 

• Does Judy own a Honda?

I don't know if Judy owns a Honda. 

"if Judy owns a Honda" is a noun clause.  We could answer this question without a noun clause by saying the following. 

I don't know the answer.  In this case, the noun phrase, the answer, replaces the noun clause, if Judy owns a Honda. 

  

 

• Will Sadine be at work on Friday?

I don't know whether Sadine will be at work on Friday. 

"whether Sadine will be at work on Friday" is a noun clause.  We could answer this question without a noun clause by saying the following. 

I don't know the answer.  In this case, the noun phrase, the answer, replaces the noun clause, whether Sadine will be at work on Friday.

3.  Noun Clauses that Start with That.

Noun clauses that start with that are used to answer questions in which person who is answering is thinking, giving an opinion, or using a mental activity verb.  The following examples should better explain this.

• Is Dr. Elimelech a good instructor?

I think that Dr. Elimelech is a good instructor. 

"that Dr. Elimelech is a good instructor" is a noun clause.  This noun clause could be omitted by saying the following. 

I think so. 

  

 

• Do you know the location of an ATM?

I believe that there is an ATM in the supermarket. 

"that there is an ATM in the supermarket" is a noun clause.