Noun

Noun Clauses

Noun clauses are groups of words that act as nouns. They always have a subject and a verb, and the whole clause does the job of one noun.

For each noun job below, you'll find an example sentence with a noun that is a word and a noun that is a dependent noun clause.

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Nouns clauses can perform each of these five functions (and more) in sentences.

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1. Subjects

Subjects tell whom or what the sentence is about.

Mrs. O'Brien taught grammar. (word)

Where we were going was a surprise. (clause)

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2. Direct Objects

Direct objects receive the action of the verb. They come after transitive active verbs.

Mrs. O'Brien taught grammar. (word)

I know you love me. (clause)

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3. Indirect Objects

Indirect objects receive the direct object.

Mrs. O'Brien taught the class grammar. (word)

I gave what my teacher said some thought. (clause)

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4. Objects of Prepositions

Objects of prepositions are the nouns that follow a preposition.

The class found a dog at the park. (word)

You should be proud of what you did. (clause)

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5. Predicate Nominatives

Predicate nouns rename the subject. They come after linking verbs.

Rex is a dog. (word)

The truth is you are my favorite teacher. (clause)