The Eight Functions of Noun Clauses in English
Nominal Functions and Subordinate Clauses of English Grammar
May 29, 2009
Noun clauses perform eight main grammatical functions within sentences in the English language. Both native speakers and ESL students must learn the eight functions to fully and correctly use noun clauses in spoken and written English. The eight functions of noun clauses are:
- Subject
- Subject complement
- Direct object
- Object complement
- Indirect object
- Prepositional complement
- Adjective phrase complement
- Appositive
Noun clauses are defined as subordinate or dependent clauses formed by a subordinating conjunction followed by a clause. Noun clauses perform nominal functions, or functions prototypically performed by noun phrases.
Noun Clauses as Subjects
The first grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the subject. Subjects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that perform the action of or act upon the predicate. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as subjects:
- Whoever ate my lunch is in big trouble.
- How you will finish all your homework on time is beyond me.
- That the museum cancelled the lecture disappoints me.
Noun Clauses as Subject Complements
The second grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the subject complement. Subject complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow a copular verb and describe the subject. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as subject complements:
- The truth was that the moving company lost all your furniture.
- My question is whether you will sue the company for losses.
- The first place winner will be whoever swims the farthest in an hour.
Noun Clauses as Direct Objects
The third grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the direct object. Direct objects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow and receive the action of a transitive verb. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as direct objects:
- The counselor has been wondering if she chose the right career.
- Do you know when the train should arrive?
- Our dog eats whatever we put in his bowl.
Noun Clauses as Object Complements
The fourth grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the object complement. Object complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that directly follow and describe the direct object. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as object complements:
- Her grandfather considers his biggest mistake that he did not finish college.
- The committee has announced the winner whoever wrote the essay on noun clauses.
- I have often declared the problem that most students do not understand grammar.
Noun Clauses as Indirect Objects
The fifth grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the indirect object. Indirect objects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow a ditransitive verb and indicate to or for whom or what is action of the verb is performed. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as indirect objects:
- The judge will give what you said some deliberation during her decision.
- The group has given that most Americans do not support their cause little consideration.
- My parents gave that my brother wants his own car much thought.
Noun Clauses as Prepositional Complements
The sixth grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the prepositional complement. Prepositional complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that directly follow a preposition to complete the meaning of the prepositional phrase. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as prepositional complements:
- Some people believe in whatever organized religion tells them.
- We have been waiting for whoever will pick us up from the party.
- My husband did not think about that I wanted some nice jewelry for my birthday.
Noun Clauses as Adjective Phrase Complements
The seventh grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the adjective phrase complement. Adjective phrase complements are defined as phrases and clauses that complete the meaning of an adjective phrase. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as adjective phrase complements:
- I am pleased that you are studying noun clauses.
- The toddler was surprised that throwing a tantrum did not get him his way.
- My brother is angry that someone dented his new car.
Noun clauses most often function as adjective phrase complements when the adjective phrase is performing the function of subject complement.
Noun Clauses as Appositives
The eighth grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the appositive. Appositives are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that describe or explain another noun phrase. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as appositives:
- That man, whoever is he, tried to steal some library books.
- The problem, that the storm knocked out power, is affecting the entire town.
- Your question, whether you should wear the blue dress or pink one, is frivolous in the situation.
The eight functions of noun clauses in English are subject, subject complement, direct object, object complement, indirect object, prepositional complement, adjective phrase complement, and appositive. Both native speakers and ESL students must learn the eight functions in order to properly and fully use the English language in both spoken and written forms.
Sources
Hopper, Paul J. A Short Course in Grammar. W.W. Norton & Company: New York, 1999.
Huddleston, Rodney. Introduction to the Grammar of English. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1984.
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