A clause is a grammatical structure that consists of a subject and a predicate. Dependent or subordinate clauses are clauses that cannot function independently as complete sentences but that must appear with another independent or main clause. Noun clauses are a type of dependent clause that perform nominal functions.
In grammar, a direct object is a word, phrase, or clause that follows and receives the action of a transitive verb. In addition to nouns and pronouns, noun clauses also perform the grammatical function of direct object. Examples of noun clauses as direct object include the following:
- I can respect what the teacher said.
- The child admitted that he stole the cookie.
- Dad cannot remember what Mom wants for Christmas.
- My coworker hates whoever keeps leaving the photocopier on.
- Did you notice who broke the window?
- The boss did not mention whether you were attending the party.
Noun Clause as Direct Object
References
Brinton, Laurel J. & Donna M. Brinton. 2010. The linguistic structure of Modern English, 2nd edn. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Hopper, Paul J. 1999. A short course in grammar. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
Huddleston, Rodney. 1984. Introduction to the grammar of English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
