Noun Clauses

What is a noun clause?

A noun clause is a type of subordinate clause; it has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as an independent sentence. A noun clause functions the same way a noun does: as a subject; as a direct object; as an indirect object; etc. Some noun clauses begin with words such as that, what, why, or other words that start with wh-.

Whoever first ate oysters was very brave.

Whoever first ate oysters

The team knew that they would follow the coach's instructions.

that they would follow the coach's instructions.

The students were in trouble for what they did in the hall.

what they did in the hall.

The speaker told about where he went on his vacation.

where he went on his vacation.

Mrs. Scott assigned whoever was late extra homework.

whoever was late

The club will give whoever wins the race a gold cup.

whoever wins the race

She explained why she couldn't come to the party.

why she couldn't come to the party.

What my brother enjoys most is playing soccer.

What my brother enjoys most