English Grammar · CBSE Class IX foundation · 2026–27
Noun Clauses: Meaning, Types, Examples and Practice
A noun clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that performs a function normally performed by a noun. Learn how to recognise noun clauses, distinguish them from relative clauses, and use them accurately in sentences.
1. What is a noun clause?
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun in a larger sentence. It has a subject and a verb, but it cannot normally stand alone as a complete sentence in that role.
The clause What she said acts as the subject of the sentence.
The clause that he is honest acts as the object of know.
The clause acts as a complement after is.
2. What can a noun clause do?
| Function | Example | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Why he left remains a mystery. | What remains a mystery? |
| Object of a verb | She believes that the plan will work. | What does she believe? |
| Complement | The truth is that we were late. | What is the truth? |
| Object of a preposition | We talked about what the teacher explained. | What did we talk about? |
3. Words that introduce noun clauses
Noun clauses can begin with different words, depending on the meaning of the sentence.
I hope that you will succeed.
That introduces a statement. In some object clauses, it may be omitted: I hope you will succeed.
We do not know whether the shop is open.
She asked if I was ready.
These words can introduce an indirect yes/no question. Whether is often preferred after a preposition or before an infinitive.
Please tell me where you live.
I understand why she was upset.
4. Noun clauses and relative clauses
A noun clause performs a noun's job. A relative clause describes a noun or pronoun and usually begins with a relative word such as who, which or that.
| Sentence | Clause type | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| I know what she wants. | Noun clause | It is the object of know. |
| I know the girl who won the prize. | Relative clause | It describes the girl. |
| Whoever finishes first will receive a certificate. | Noun clause | The whole clause is the subject. |
| The book that you lent me is useful. | Relative clause | It describes the book. |
5. Common errors
Incorrect: I wonder where does she live.
Correct: I wonder where she lives.
In I heard what he said, the clause is a noun clause (the object of heard). In I heard the speech that he gave, the clause that he gave describes the speech.
That she won the competition. is usually incomplete on its own in formal writing. Write: That she won the competition surprised us.
6. Practice questions
Identify the bold clause or choose the correct option.
- Identify the noun clause: I believe that he is telling the truth.
- Complete the sentence: Please tell me ___ you placed the keys. (where / where did)
- In “What you decide will be accepted”, the clause “What you decide” functions as the: (subject / adjective)
- Identify the clause type in “The boy who helped me is my neighbour.” (noun clause / relative clause)
- Complete the sentence: We are not sure ___ the bus has arrived. (whether / that)
- Identify the noun clause: “She explained why she was absent.”
- Choose the correct sentence: (a) I know what is he doing. (b) I know what he is doing.
- In “The problem is that we have no time”, the clause beginning with “that” is a: (noun clause / relative clause)
- Identify the function of the clause in “Whoever arrives first should open the door.” (subject / object of a preposition)
- In “The house that stands on the hill is old”, what does “that stands on the hill” do? (describes the house / acts as the object of “old”)
7. Answer key with explanations
Show answers
- that he is telling the truth — object of believe.
- where — indirect questions use statement word order: “where you placed”.
- Subject — the whole clause is what will be accepted.
- Relative clause — it describes “the boy”.
- whether — it introduces an indirect yes/no question.
- why she was absent — object of explained.
- (b) I know what he is doing. — use statement word order.
- Noun clause — it completes the meaning of “the problem is”.
- Subject — the whole clause identifies who should open the door.
- Describes the house — it is a relative clause.
Quick revision
- A noun clause contains a subject and a verb and functions as a noun.
- It can function as a subject, object, complement or object of a preposition.
- Common introducers include that, whether, if and question words.
- Indirect questions use statement word order.
- A relative clause describes a noun; a noun clause performs a noun's function.
Class IX study tip: underline the whole clause, then ask what job it performs in the sentence. If it describes a noun, check whether it is a relative clause instead.
