Noun Clause

Learn how to use the noun clause in English.
Sound Grammar

Noun Clause

Hear four conversations using this grammar point for free on elllo.org

Answer the following questions about the interview.

Noun Clause

Point 1: A noun clause with a WH-word is just a simplified adjective clause.

The thing that = what

  • I like the clothes that you are wearing
  • I live what you are wearing.

Where = the place where

  • This is the place where I work.
  • This is where I work.

Who = the person that

  • This is the person that I was talking about.
  • This is who I was talking about.

When = the time when

  • Talk about the time when you were young.
  • Talk about when you were young.

Why = the reason that

  • I don’t know the reason that he does that.
  • I don’t know why he does that.

How = the way that

  • I like the way that you dress.
  • I like how you dress.
Point 2: A noun clause can act as the object of a sentence.
  1. I like what you are wearing.
  2. This is who I was talking about.
  3. I don’t know where you are going with this.
  4. Please explain why you did this.
Point 3: The noun clause can act as the complement object.
  1. This is what I know.
  2. This is where I live.
  3. More money is what you need.
  4. That man is who I was talking about.
Point 4: A noun clause can take the shape of the subject.
  1. What you eat says a lot about your health.
  2. Where you work depends on your education level.
  3. Who you know does not matter.
  4. Why he acts that way is a mystery.
Point 5: A noun clause can go after a preposition.
  1. From what I know, he should be here.
  2. It depends on how much money you have.
  3. Let’s talk about why most people believe in miracles.
  4. I am tired of how he acts.

About the Teacher

My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.

Contact me here.