The Noun Clause

Recognize a noun clause when you find one.

Any clause—main (or independent), subordinate (or dependent), adjective (or relative)—that functions as a noun is a noun clause.

Consider this sentence:

Our plates and cups are always tacky with residue because of Yolanda's inefficient method of washing dishes.

Method = noun.

If we replace method with a clause, we have a noun clause:

Our plates and cups are always tacky with residue because of how inefficiently Yolanda washes dishes.

How inefficiently Yolanda washes dishes = noun clause.

Know the functions that noun clauses serve.

Since a noun can function as a subject, subject complement, or object, a noun clause can do the same.

Read these examples:

You rock! is the affirmation Benjamin says to the mirror every morning before he leaves the house.

You rock! = subject.

Dad's favorite advice is "Do not sweat the small stuff."

Do not sweat the small stuff = subject complement.

During the family meeting, Harry presented what he discovered in Mona's incriminating diary.

What he discovered in Mona's incriminating diary = direct object.

Grandma always saves one turkey leg for whoever gave her the best Christmas present.

Whoever gave her the best Christmas present = indirect object.

For the long drive to Atlanta, Darren wants to ride with whoever has the best audio system.

Whoever has the best audio system = object of the preposition.

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