A noun clause is a group of words which does the work of a noun. As you know, a clause contains a subject and a predicate of its own.
An example is given below.
That she has won the prize surprised me.
Here the noun clause ‘that she has won the prize’ acts as the subject of the verb surprised.
Another example is given below.
I believe that I will pass the test.
Here the noun clause ‘that I will pass the test’ is the object of the verb believe.
Exercise
Complete the following sentences by adding suitable noun clauses.
1. I cannot understand …………………………
2. They said …………………………
3. I think …………………………
4. He told me …………………………
5. ………………………… hurts me.
6. You can eat …………………………
7. Can you guess …………………………?
8. I feel certain …………………………
9. I do not know …………………………
10. No one knows …………………………
Suggested answers
1. I cannot understand why she is angry with me.
2. They said that they would accept the offer.
3. I think I will win.
4. He told me that he would come.
5. That you should cheat me hurts me.
6. You can eat whatever you want.
7. Can you guess what I want?
8. I feel certain that she will come.
9. I do not know what she wants.
10. No one knows where he is.
Notes
Noun clauses are usually introduced by the connecting word that. The question words why, what, where, when, how etc., can also be used to introduce noun clauses.