Getting Smarter through Language
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You saw that adverb clauses and adjective clauses replace adverbs and adjectives.
Similarly, noun clauses work as a nouns, which refer to someone, something, or an abstract concept. As they play the role of nouns, they can be used as the subject or object of another sentence.
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The researchers could not explain [something].
The researchers could not explain the results. (”The results” is the object of “explain.)
The researchers could not explain what they found in the study. (Likewise, the whole dependent clause works as the object of “explain.”)
This is [something].
This is a textbook.
This is what you will be reading this semester.
This is what you need to learn in this course.
Self-improvement is the main reason [clarify the reason]
Self-improvement is the main reason for learning new things. (main clause and prepositional phrase)
Self-improvement is the main reason you should go to college.
Mr. Ecks is [someone].
Mr. Ecks is the best candidate for the job.
Mr. Ecks is who can do the job.
Mr. Ecks is the candidate I am voting for.
[Something] disappointed everyone.
Your lack of interest disappointed everyone.
What you said disappointed everyone
How little work you put into this project disappointed everyone.
I am worried about [something].
I am worried about what he may say.
I am worried about how difficult the exam may be.
It is important to know [something].
It is important to know where the emergency exits are located.
It is important to know how to perform first aid in case of emergencies.
Continue the lesson to learn about dependent clauses using the verb “be…”
