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Questions and Answers
In the sentence 'He who worked hard was promoted', the noun clause 'who worked hard' functions as the __________.
In the sentence 'He who worked hard was promoted', the noun clause 'who worked hard' functions as the __________.
Which of the following best describes how a noun clause typically functions as a subject in a sentence?
Which of the following best describes how a noun clause typically functions as a subject in a sentence?
What role does the noun clause play in sentences like 'Her dog, that is large and furry, greets everyone who enters her home'?
What role does the noun clause play in sentences like 'Her dog, that is large and furry, greets everyone who enters her home'?
Which of the following correctly identifies the function of the noun clause in 'The man, that is intelligent, excels in his job'?
Which of the following correctly identifies the function of the noun clause in 'The man, that is intelligent, excels in his job'?
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How does a noun clause typically function in a sentence where it follows a linking verb?
How does a noun clause typically function in a sentence where it follows a linking verb?
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What is the grammatical role of the noun clause in 'She, who is famous, has many fans'?
What is the grammatical role of the noun clause in 'She, who is famous, has many fans'?
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'They, who often go out with friends, have trouble controlling their spending habits.' In this sentence, the noun clause acts as __________.
'They, who often go out with friends, have trouble controlling their spending habits.' In this sentence, the noun clause acts as __________.
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'I, that am shy, avoid social gatherings.' The function of 'that am shy' in this sentence is to provide additional information about __________.
'I, that am shy, avoid social gatherings.' The function of 'that am shy' in this sentence is to provide additional information about __________.
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'He who worked hard was promoted.' What kind of pronoun introduces the noun clause in this sentence?
'He who worked hard was promoted.' What kind of pronoun introduces the noun clause in this sentence?
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What does a noun clause typically follow to act as a subject in a sentence?
What does a noun clause typically follow to act as a subject in a sentence?
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Study Notes
Noun Clauses Beginning With That
Noun clauses can begin with the word 'that' when they function as objects, subjects, or subject complements in sentences. Here, we will explore the different ways in which these noun clauses can appear in English grammar.
Noun Clause as Object
A noun clause functioning as the object of a verb is introduced by the relative pronoun "who", "which", or "that". For example:
- He who worked hard was promoted.
- She, who is famous, has many fans.
- They, who often go out with friends, have trouble controlling their spending habits.
In sentences like these, the noun clauses serve as the direct object of the verbs, providing more information about the people being referred to by the pronouns.
Subject Clause
A noun clause can also act as the subject of a sentence. In such cases, it typically follows a linking verb or a coordinating conjunction. An example of this structure would be:
- Her dog, that is large and furry, greets everyone who enters her home.
Here, the noun clause functions as the subject of the sentence and provides additional details about the size and appearance of the narrator's dog.
Noun Clause as Subject Complement
Sometimes, a noun clause can be used as a subject complement, following the copula verb 'to be'. This construction involves using either the subject pronoun or a nominative case personal pronoun. Consider these examples:
- The man, that is intelligent, excels in his job.
- I, that am shy, avoid social gatherings.
In these instances, the noun clauses help further define the subject of the sentence.
Noun Clause After Adjective
Adjectival noun clauses occur frequently in academic writing and legal documents. They typically follow the form "the person […], that is responsible." Take, for instance:
- The person, that is responsible, must take charge immediately.
This type of noun clause serves as an adjective phrase describing the person. It is important to note that overuse of adjectival noun clauses may make your prose seem too formal or stilted, so it is wise to vary your clause structures across your writing.
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Description
Explore the different roles of noun clauses that begin with the word 'that' in English grammar. Learn how these clauses can function as objects, subjects, or subject complements in sentences, providing additional information and detail.