Advanced English Grammar: Noun Clauses

Having trouble finding the subject or object in a sentence? It might be a noun clause. In this lesson, we'll look at the dependent clause and its conjunctions in order to write better sentences and to read high-level texts like those you will find in newspapers, academic essays, and literature. This is also important if you're in university or taking a test like IELTS or TOEFL. As a writer, I focus my attention on the many elements we use to build great sentences and paragraphs. I've broken down this advanced part of English grammar and will teach it to you simply -- so you can understand and use the noun clauses in your own writing. I'll show you many examples of noun clauses, so you can see the noun clause in context. Take the quiz at www.engvid.com/advanced-englis... to practice identifying the types of noun clauses in example sentences.
Watch Adam's series on clauses!
Dependent Clauses • Advanced English Gramm...
Adjective Clauses • Learn English Grammar:...
Adverb Clauses • Learn English Grammar:...
Infinitive Clauses • Advanced English Gramm...
TRANSCRIPT
Hi. Welcome to www.engvid.com. I'm Adam. In today's video we're going to look at some more advanced grammar. We're going to look at the noun clause. Now, you may have seen my previous video where I did an introduction to subordinate clauses. Today I'm going to look at only one, only the noun clause, get a little bit deeper into it, show you some examples, show you how it works, how to build it, when to use it, etc.
So before we begin, let's review: What is a clause? A clause is a combination of words that must contain a subject and a verb. Okay? Now, every sentence has at least one independent clause. The noun clause is a dependent clause. Okay? I'm going to write that here. It's a dependent. What that means is that this clause cannot be a sentence by itself. It is always part of a sentence that contains an independent clause, but the noun clause can be part of the independent clause, and we're going to see that in a moment.
But before we do that, we also have to look at the conjunctions. Okay? So these are the words... The conjunctions are the words that join the noun clause to its independent clause or that begin the noun clause. Okay? And again, we're going to look at examples. So these are the ones you need to know: "that", "which", "who", "whom", "whose", "what", "if", "whether", "when", "where", "how", "why", and then: "whoever", "whomever", "whenever", "wherever", "whatever", "whichever". These can all be conjunctions. Now, you have to be careful with a few of them. Some of these can also be conjunctions to adjective clauses, which will be a different video lesson entirely. And you also have to remember that this clause in particular: "that", is quite often removed. Means it's understood to be there, it's implied, but we don't actually have to write it or say it when we're using the noun clause. And again, we're going to look at examples of that.
Another thing to remember is that only some of these can be both the conjunction, the thing that starts the clause, and the subject of the clause. So, for example: "which" can be the subject, "who" can be the subject, "whom" is always an object, never a subject, and "what" can be the subject. "Who", "whoever", "whatever", "whichever" can also be subjects. So I'm going to put an "s" for these. Okay? So it's very important to remember these because sometimes you have to recognize that it is both the conjunction and the clause, and recognize it as a noun clause. Now, of course, it will be much easier to understand all this when we see actual examples, so let's do that.
Okay, so now we're going to look at when to use the noun clause and how to use the noun clause. So, noun clauses have basically four uses. Okay? Or actually five, but one of them is similar. First of all we're going to look at it as the subject. So, a noun clause can be the subject of a clause, of an independent clause.
So let's look at this example: "What she wore to the party really turned some heads." So, what is the noun clause? "What she wore to the party". Okay? So here's our conjunction, here's our subject, and here's our verb. Okay? And then here's another verb. Now, remember: In every sentence, you're going to have one tense verb, will have one subject that corresponds to it. Here I have two tense verbs, which means I need two subjects. So the subject for "wore" is "she", the subject for "turned" is the entire clause. This is the noun clause subject to this verb. Okay? Turned what? Some heads. And, here, we have the object of the whole sentence. So this sentence is essentially SVO, so we have an independent clause, but the subject of the independent clause is a noun clause. So although you have one independent clause, this is still a complex sentence because we're using an independent and the subordinate, and the dependent clause to build it.

[@engvidAdam]

Next, watch my new video on INFINITIVE CLAUSES! This lesson builds on your understanding of noun clauses to teach you a new type of clause: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6nQdXhpmLKIaJY

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انا شاهدك من شمال اتمنى لوكانت لديك الترجمه إلى العربيه سوف يضيا شيء مهم لحضرتك ياسيدي وايضا إلى المشاهد ان فديو عام والجميع يضهر له ولكي تعم الفائده أيضا على الجميع وشكرا لك 🌿💚

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Thank you for doing what my teacher doesn't. Teach.

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That's why I came here as well

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@@alicedreamer4297 Don't humiliate your teachers by saying so. Every student learn by his or her learning ability. Ok

[@alicedreamer4297]

@@ashu7183 It's not about learning ability. The one who was supposed to teach me this was very disorganized and sucked at teaching. He skimmed over the basics (this video) in a class meant for students with no prior knowledge, and went right into stuff nobody understood precisely because they had no prior knowledge. Assumed everyone knew what he was talking about, ignored questions, and had a wonderful time hearing himself talk. I don't pay tuition for this kind of education man

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@@ashu7183 we do live different lives in different places after all

[@Baby_Dinosaur323]

I’m teaching noun clauses right now in an ESL grammar class, and I’m a very new teacher so this is really helpful to summarize the points I will teach. Thank you for the video!

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Finding your channel was the best thing of the day

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@@memeologist1111 ty mate ı guess my listening skills are not enough.

[@engvidAdam]

Looking for more advanced English grammar lessons? My latest video is all about linking verbs, also called copula verbs! Watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJW2aaCZid2crc0

[@zinirahshailkh1694]

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I love your teaching

[@zinirahshailkh1694]

Thanks😊

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U are perfect ever

[@w_keylean9807]

Cool teaching

[@abdrnasr]

I will put "that" even if I don't need just to increase the word count

[@inw.n7418]

THAT was the right thing to do

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@Michael Purring I laughed your joke that I just read

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[@user-nn6nl7zv2b]

I imagine you saying: Hello that guys , how that are that you that today? I that hope that you that understand that what that i that i that i am that saying 😅

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I have a test tomorrow and this REALLY helped me. Thank you!

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Same

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Same

[@muhammadzubair3089]

I

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Same

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Ain’t have test tomorrow 😄

[@yui767]

I've been struggling to achieve my goal score in IELTS. Your videos guide me to improve my English very well. Thank you so much for teaching me what exactly I need !! :)

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[@UnstopablePatrik]

As someone who learned English via immersion, this is a fascinating video. I know that this is how English works but I have never given any thought to the logic behind it all, so this gave me a new perspective. Thank you!

[@ahmedshah3341]

Sir, your way of teaching deserves applause and really you clear each and everything .

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I have been studying English for like 4/5 years.. and during this time I have been always watched your videos. Currently I study English Studies at the University and I still watch your videos 🙏🙏❤️

[@SoumenRoy]

Thank you, Adam, for teaching this. I have been suffering for a long time to apply the clauses appropriately in sentences. Your videos are very helpful.

[@XXX-sz5lt]

Adam, you are what I'd call a great teacher. The way you teach is what most of people would call logical and explanatory.

[@hoaigiangtruong7913]

What you taught about how to use noun clauses is very informative for those who want to improve their English. Thank you, Adam!

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Wow

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You are beautiful

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omg same he explains it way better then my english teacher

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Example: ADAM is what I consider one of the best english teacher of all world ( thanks for your lessons, im a new suscriber)

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With lessons like this one, I have deepened much more in English than the fact of having been studying it for the previous 15 years. Obviously, this is the natural consequence of the eloquence in your message.

[@hbkyeputho889]

Im a high school grammar teacher n I find ur videos very helpful to improve my own classroom teaching techniques, can u also plz do a video on modern formal n informal letter writing. Look forward for more better contents to come, keep up the great work!!!

[@chloelee9644]

Great lesson! You've given us a lot of information today. Many thanks, Adam. :)

[@PlausibleIdea]

Adam, Thank you for taking the time to explain grammar in an understandably manner.

[@carolaortiz58]

Love your explanation! It's kind of difficult for some learners to understand this grammar issue. However, it's easier when they compare noun clauses to the common role a noun plays in a sentence.

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You are the best english teacher to me, Greetings!

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I adore your teaching style what I didn't get from my teacher before in details like yours ☺️

[@drsam202]

That you explained the matter in an eloquent way is what fascinates me.

[@RitueliDaeli]

Thanks Adam for the quiz, but the last question: How many noun clauses are in the following sentence? "From my own personal experience, where you'll have the most relaxing time on your break depends on where you think you'll be able to have the most alone time." It's not 3 clause but 4. LOOK! even there are 3 conjunctions. 1 conjuction for 2 clauses, 2 conjuctions for 3 clauses, and 3 conjuctions for 4 clauses, 4 main verbs that indicate 4 clauses: - 'll have - depends - think - 'll be

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Respected sir, I am from India and I have watched all your videos of English and learned. I appreciate for your help to learn English 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@user-dk5je6bw8y]

Meeting your lessons is incredibly inspired me since I started learning English.

[@afshan7861]

What a wonderful explanation of a noun clause! You are the best language teacher. When I just watch your videos, it seems that it is such a hard job to describe the rules and uses of these rules. English is not my first language but I have a good command on writing. It seems to me that language is just a reflex action as you speak without noticing that it's the right way of talking. Thank you so much for your great efforts.

[@zzmartinus]

Adam, you´re bloody great, pleasant etc. Being an English teacher myself from the Czech Rep, central Europe, I can tell you one thing.. You are the best on the web!! But still I can see how complicated an explanation of some simple things can be.. What takes you 20mins in native language takes 2mins. Still you are the man. I really like to get inspired by you! No doubt! And some of your lessons I play to my students.. But this is horrible to explain to regular people.. But it is not your fault.. You have no other way to explain it. It just shows how often it is essential to use our own native languages..

[@kiss0009]

somebody said the most trouble to have learned another language is native language. Imagine removing native language. Would it be less difficult to learn? cause a brain is lazy and he wants to alter to native all the time((( just a philosophy thought

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i have that bad habit too..

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Where r u from?

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In the beginning,in early month,I had dubious thoughts about English,but now I can learn easily by this amazing sir.

[@marycollins5918]

me: sees noun clauses thinks: oh nouns are easy also me 2 seconds later: *desperately searches youtube for noun clause videos that arn't made for 1yr olds*

[@abhisheksingh-nc8df]

Hlw

[@abhisheksingh-nc8df]

Where from you

[@privateplays801]

Hi

[@luzgomeztebar3619]

Very useful explanations! Thanks!

[@DANIEL-sb5yp]

Thank you so much for the class. Although the grammatical rules of noun clause is difficult, you explain them easily and clearly, so that things become easy to understand.

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After few months, I watched again and It's how much helpful that I cannot articulate in my word. Love you boss ❤

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anymore olumsuz için kullanılır, "...from now on" bundan sonra, anlamını taşır, daha iyi olurdu yani ama tabii önemli olan niyet :)

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Me too😉

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thank you my lovely teacher. please be infromed that you have a student to follow up your VDO from Thailand.

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ive been observing how people arrange ttr sentence like this, and ive always wanted to find tutorial on this topic then i searched 'all advanced english grammar' and saw this thumbnail lol thanks

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Thank you, Adam! I was finding it diff to understand the difference between D.O and complement. Your explanation was quite clear.

[@bananabomb697]

I understand that better than my teacher teaches Thank you so much Adam

[@RitueliDaeli]

Btw, the TRANSCRIPT is not complete. How to get the complete one? because I want to share to other beginners. thanks.

[@DaniloRodriguesSantana]

The space of the youtube is limited. That is the reason that don't have the whole transcript.

[@RitueliDaeli]

Danilo Rodrigues Santana Thanks Danilo

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What I should do right now is watching your video again as it is so useful and informative. Thank you!

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I've learned noun clauses with your videos. My English teacher doesn't explain as well as you do :') Thanks, you're the best!

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Thank you very much Adam , keep on the good work!

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Isabel Pinales

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Thank you! It's been very helpful. I had to see it a couple of times because I'm studying for an exam. I'm coursing advanced grammar at the U. Thank you so much again. :D

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That we don't find you is what scares me. Mashallah, good explains, clear voice, etc.

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Thank you teacher Adam for this viedo*

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Adam,very grateful for your useful video!

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You are the best teacher giving these sentence structure lessons. Thanks.

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You actually are the best English teacher I've ever seen.🥺❤️ Thanks for your amazing videos and your lovely methods of teaching.

[@patidarinstitute]

Dear Sir , here is the question : Excluding relative pronoun " that " from the sentence will be considered formal or informal ?

[@markholloway6718]

It's neither formal nor informal, but you'll find relative pronouns are excluded far more frequently in texts where writing concisely is valued (i.e. anything with a word limit). It's common to see relative pronouns omitted in academic writing.

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I think I owe this man my future degree.

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I’m a teacher who is gonna teach noun clauses sooner so I’ve been looking for details that can be useful so I suppose that I have found the video that will be cooperating my students.

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Thank u Adam..this tutorial really helped me a lot...Tomorrow I am having my English exam..you saved me. Thx a lot !!!

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Why doesn't it want to get into my head, this is one of the toughest lessons so far..

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Totally agree with you

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Thank you for this I passed my test😁😁😁

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Thank you, Adam! This is really helpful for my quiz tomorrow evening.

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thanks Mr. Adam. that was very useful.

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i guess, Adam is the best teacher in engvid, becuz of his teaching skills im saying it. keep working bro. you need us)

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This is absolutely helpful. I have a test on Monday and I just didnt know how to get more explanation. Thanks a whole lot😘

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thanka for the video. can u please make more toelf videos?

[@imnotmark3053]

I get confused between noun and adverb phrases. We’re having a quiz in this tomorrow :(

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This man deserves the world ❤

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Thank you very much sir!!!!

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Hello

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Chailin San hi

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You are the best

[@mohammadtariq7575]

"I continued to talk for hours thinking she would understand the whole story." Dear Sir kindly tell me which kind of sentence it is and which kinds of clause is used in the sentence.

[@yuouyang4889]

it is not a clause

[@Wordvice]

"(that) she would understand the whole story" is the noun clause. "That" can be removed in many cases, but it is implied.

[@adedoyinbamgbade8699]

Nigeria

[@haroldcampbell3337]

Participial phrase

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you are incredible teacher!!! thank you for your existing,it is obvious how positive person you are!!! thank you very much .YOU ARE THE BEST

[@laninpant832]

Adam Sir, I am from India. I am getting again what a Noun Clause is. Main thing, I want to share with all is that I am feeling this moment is that I am in my class room where my best teacher is there to teach me in a very friendly way. Thanks.

[@Kirankumar-bw5it]

how do I know whether it's a noun clause or adjective clause or adverb clause

[@nishithnation]

The best way to identify is, how a particular clause is acting upon the preceeded or following phrases/clause, for example; 'Whoever helps me, will be rewarded,' Whoever helps me, a phrase is acting as a noun so it is a noun clasue, likewise with adjective and adverb clauses ...Rest is simple, if you know the meaning of a noun, adjective and adverb, you will find it easy. Probably, I answered your question!

[@nishithnation]

trAnwhiz Yes, you are right. However, to emphasis the clause I used a semicolon here.

[@keithmiranda1223]

kiran kumar B o

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Srishailam Bakka man ur a lifesaver.💙 Not gay though

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Guys, any questions? I would happy to assist anybody with their English-related struggles

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me :)

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Froxtrot Alpha Namely?

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Hassan#009647822976502 Aliraqi Haha, sorry, don't have Skype

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I'd like to but by which way can I communicate with you?

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Thank you for the details explanation, which I've found it confusing to grab before.

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The way he always writes the "q" on the board is so lovely 💕💕💞🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@alexthai2456]

we only need to know dependent clause when writing sentences. why do we need to know noun clause??

[@marven9526]

The noun clause belongs to the dependent clauses.

[@konstantsinmazanik9649]

useful lesson

[@maddiefranco8461]

You are an incredible teacher Adam, I understand you everything, the only problem that I have is that I was looking for the noun clauses as appositives, direct object and indirect object too, but with these is ok as well. Thank you so much.

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This a person i am from Ethiopian and what i want to say foe you the way of your teaching is very intersting for all country pronanaunc ing very eazy for all houman being so thankyou so much

[@joeljames2829]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="163">2:43</a> - all of those words can be a subject right? For example, Where is whom? ( over here whom is a person's name) Like this all of those words can be put as the subject. Please reply!! Thanks!!

[@ankitkumarsingh9815]

Joel James .....lol

[@advaitramesh164]

If “whom” were a name in your sentence, shouldn’t it be capitalized?

[@nihalturk1296]

Hi👩 Who Whom Which That The woman is happy. She passed the exam. The woman who passed the exam is happy. The woman that passed the exam is happy. The man is a painter. I met him yesterday. The man whom I met yesterday I met is a painter. The man that I met yesterday I met is a painter. I stayed at the a hotel. it was in the center of the city. I stayed at the a hotel which was in the center of the city. I stayed at the a hotel that was in the center of the city.

[@reneesh7057]

Nihal TÜRK Hi can I ask you doubt? Jerry knows why Emile went to the store. This is what I grew up on. In noun clause past and present can be mixed?? Thank you.

[@Mary-qr7vf]

Frankly speaking, that's an extremely complicated topic, especially while I am only 14 years old, preparing for my Ielts exam in the future. I've understood the adverb and adjective clauses, however this one is quite challenging for me 😿. Anyway, Adam, you are outstanding teacher! I've learnt a number of advanced grammar, how to write an opinion essay, some good vocab, THANKS A MILLION, ADAM. I am very grateful to you!

[@Ibreatheoxygen]

Same! Adverb and adjective clause were so easy but I am not understanding this fricking noun clause

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Hi! It's really very helpful to me, the way you explained it's really amazing cause when I saw other videos, I can't understand their pronunciation . So you're videos are really helpful to each and every person who wants to learn English.

[@ginmin6595]

I didn't understand anything. It's quite difficult to me

[@bonbonpony]

That's why this is called "advanced". You will understand much more when starting from the basics.

[@joshpasaribu]

this lesson made my nose bleeding..

[@bonbonpony]

In the anime way, I hope?

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I have been looking for a good content for clauses and its kinds but couldn't find any. Then I ended up with your videos, they are so helpful, thank you very much ☺️ There are very few good content creators like you

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thank you Adam, its nice to know you. Since i wanna take a toefl test next week. youre the best!

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He is having all of a talent of a teacher,my thoughts are you are a teacher or a normal human!!....

[@teumheng8027]

I've tried to do the quiz. Unfortunatly, I got just merely two right of tens questions. It's a little bit complicated. Howerver, thank Adam for this usful lesson. I really enjoy your videos.

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Thank you Adam, your lessons are helpful. You are wonderful teacher.