Unit_021

Question 1

A noun clause is a subordinate clause that is used as a noun. A noun clause may function as the subject of the sentence, as the direct object of a verb, as the object of a preposition, as a predicate noun after a linking verb, as an appositive, or as the delayed subject after the introductory word “it.”

Answer 1

English Grammar Rule #166

Question 2

A noun clause may be introduced by a subordinate conjunction, by a relative pronoun, a relative adjective, or an adverb. The relative pronoun that introduces a noun clause is sometimes called an indefinite relative pronoun because it has not antecedent expressed in the sentence. The relative adjective is called an indefinite relative adjective for the same reason.

Answer 2

English Grammar Rule #167

Question 3

The only function of a subordinate conjunction in a noun clause is to connect the noun clause to the main clause. The relative pronoun has a special function in the noun clause, such as subject, object, etc. The relative adjective and the adverb not only introduce the noun clause, but also modify some word in it.

Answer 3

English Grammar Rule #168

Question 4

The word that introduces a subordinate clause if often omitted. The reason for this omission is to bring the main clause and the subordinate clause closer together.

Answer 4

English Grammar Rule #169

Question 5

The subordinate conjunction whether (not if) should be used to introduce a noun clause that is used as the direct object of the verbs say, learn, know, doubt, wonder, understand, etc.

Answer 5

English Grammar Rule #170

Question 6

A noun clause is often the real subject of a sentence that begins with the expletive it. Such sentences should be transposed and put in normal or grammatical order. The noun clause is the logical subject of the sentence.

Answer 6

English Grammar Rule #171