Chapter 10: The Noun Clause

A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun. That means that the whole clause is performing the job of one part of speech!

Since these act as nouns, they can perform any of the noun jobs! That means they can be subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, objects of prepositions, or predicate nouns.

Check out this sentence:

Broccoli is fine with me.

The word broccoli is a noun performing the job of the subject.

Now look at this sentence:

Whatever you want is fine with me.

Now, whatever you want is the subject! It is a whole clause performing the job of a noun.

Notice that unlike adverb and adjective clauses, noun clauses are not modifying anything. They are acting as nouns within the independent clause!

They may be introduced by any of the following words:

that, if, whether, who, whom, which, what, when, where, how, why, whoever, whenever, whatever, however, whichever, whomever

See these pages for more help:

10.0 Diagramming

Directions: As you diagram the following sentences, start by deciding what the noun clause is acting as. Place it on its own line just above wherever it goes in the independent clause.

Connect the sentence diagram to the independent clause with a little forked line.

Use the examples for help.

Example: Does your mom know where you are going?

Example: Whatever you want is fine with me.

1. Where the sock had gone was a mystery.

2. I wonder how I lost it.

3. My mom knew where I lost my sock because she found it in the dryer.

4. Now I'm dressed, and I'll go with whoever is ready.

5. Wherever we are going will be wonderful.

Check Your Answers

10.0 Diagramming

Get these answers in the book!

Diagramming sentences is an effective and engaging way to learn or teach grammar.

You'll learn grammar and diagramming with these short, simple lessons and exercises, and you'll find all of the answers in the back so that you can easily check your work.

When you're done with this book, you'll possess a powerful tool for using and understanding language.

You'll be able to write with clarity, and you'll actually enjoy grammar.

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Go to Diagramming Sentences Chapter Eleven

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