A noun clause is a group of words acting together as a noun. These clauses are always dependent clauses (they do not form a complete sentence).
How to spot a noun clause? Look for these words (conjunctions)
⛭How, That, What, Whatever, When, Where, Whether, Which, Whichever, Who, Whoever, Whom, Whomever, Why
Example:
- I know that it happened.
- I know how it happened.
- I know why it happened.
Noun clauses act as different parts within a sentence!
As subjects, direct objects, objects of the preposition, and predicate nouns.
NOUN CLAUSES AS SUBJECTS
Pizza is fine with me.
Whatever they want is fine with me.
NOUN CLAUSES AS DIRECT OBJECTS
Can you tell me the place?
Can you tell where it is the place for lunch?
NOUN CLAUSES AS OBJECTS OF THE PREPOSITION
I asked about Elise.
I askes about why Elise hate those boys.
NOUN CLAUSES AS PREDICATE NOUNS
Happiness is a cold beer.
Happiness is whatever just came out of the freezer.
