A noun clause is a group of words that serves the same purpose as a noun. That means a noun clause can be the subject or object of a verb. It can also be the object of a preposition. Noun clauses are usually introduced by the conjunctions that, if or whether. They can also be introduced by the question words who, whoever, what, whatever, which, whichever, how, however etc.

Underline the noun clauses in the following sentences.

1. Whoever invented that machine is a genius.

2. I want to know why you are yelling at me.

3. What she said surprised me.

4. Whoever steals my purse steals trash.

5. I can’t understand how they managed to escape.

6. I asked her if she would like to marry me.

7. She replied that she was not interested in my proposal.

8. I can’t tell you whether I will be able to help.

9. Do you know what you are doing?

10. They told him that he was under arrest.

11. She asked me if I could help her.

12. Do you know where he has gone?

13. She asked me what I was doing in her room.

14. They told me that they couldn’t help me.

Answers

1. Whoever invented that machine (Here the noun clause is the subject of the verb is.)

2. why you are yelling at me (Here the noun clause is the object of the verb know.)

3. What she said (Here the noun clause is the subject of the verb surprised.)

4. Whoever steals my purse (Here the noun clause is the subject of the verb steals.)

5. how they managed to escape (Here the noun clause is the object of the verb understand.)

6. if she would like to marry me (Here the noun clause is the direct object of the verb asked.)

7. that she was not interested in my proposal (Here the noun clause is the object of the verb replied.)

8. whether I will be able to help (Here the noun clause is the direct of the verb tell.)

9. what you are doing

10. that he was under arrest

11. if I could help her

12. where he has gone

13. what I was doing in her room

14. that they couldn’t help me