A noun clause is a dependent clause that acts as a noun in a sentence. It has its own subject and verb but cannot stand alone.
Noun Clause as Subject
*What she said surprised everyone.* *Whether we go depends on the weather.* *That he passed is wonderful news.*
Noun Clause as Object
I know what you mean. She believes that hard work pays off. Do you understand why he left?
Noun Clause after Prepositions
We talked about what happened. I am worried about whether she will arrive on time.
Words That Introduce Noun Clauses
| Word | Example | | ---------------- | --------------------------------- | | that | I think that you are right. | | what | Tell me what you need. | | whether / if | I wonder if he is coming. | | who / whom | Do you know who called? | | where | This is where I live. | | when | I remember when we met. | | why | Explain why you were late. | | how | Show me how it works. |
Common Mistake: Sentence Fragment
❌ What she said. (fragment — no main clause) ✅ What she said was interesting. (complete sentence)
That-Clauses
The word that can often be omitted in informal English:
I think (that) you are right. She said (that) she would call.
But it must be included when the noun clause is the subject:
*That the earth is round is a fact.* (cannot omit *that*)