29. Clauses

A Noun clause is a clause that performs the function of a noun.

Features:

1. It acts as subject, object of the verb.
2. It answers the question 'what' to the verb.
3. It is introduced by using words like 'that, why, when what, if, etc.'

Example:

He said that he was in the party.

Here,

1. 'He said' is the independent clause.
2. 'That he was in the party' is the dependent noun clause.
3. It answers the question 'what he said?' 
4. It is acting as the object of the verb 'said'.

Functions of a Noun clause:

1. As subject of verb: at beginning of the sentence.

Example:

What you said yesterday made me happy.

This is an subject noun clause of verb 'made'.

2. As object of verb: at the end of the sentence.

Example:

Jack said that he will join a driving class.

This is an object noun clause of the verb 'said'.