We have previously explained the difference between a phrase and a clause when we discussed how to identify when an underlined expression in a given sentence is an adjectival clause. See: 👇🏾
In this post, we shall turn our attention to how to identify the noun clause.
Like the adjectival clause, the noun clause is also introduced by WHO, THAT. It is also introduced by WHAT. So, the markers of the noun clause are: WHO, THAT,WHAT.
Step 1: Check out for any of the markers of the noun clause: WHO, THAT, WHAT
Step 2: Check if there is a verb in the underlined expression.
Step 3: Check the word before or after the underlined expression.
(a) If the word/group of words before or after the markers listed above is a VERB, then the underlined expression is a noun clause.
(b) If the underlined expression is before the verb, the function will be subject. However, if the underlined expression comes after the verb, the function will be object. Let's consider some examples.
Examples of the underlined expression after the verb:
1. Then, I realized that she was drunk.
Grammatical name: Noun clause
Grammatical function: Object of the verb 'realized'.
2. She narrated what had happened to her.
Grammatical name: Noun clause
Grammatical function: Object of the verb 'narrated'.
3. He knew that such a threat letter would expose him.
Grammatical name: Noun clause
Grammatical function: Object of the verb 'knew'.
Examples of the underlined expression before the verb:
1. And what was even more unfortunate was that millions in Amusa's shoes only became wiser when it was too late.
Grammatical name: Noun clause
Grammatical function: Subject of the verb 'was'.
Did you notice the preposition 'and' before the marker in the underlined? It is just to deceive you! The principle still applies.
2. What we experience daily are the vicious consequences of unemployment.
Grammatical name: Noun clause
Grammatical function: Subject of the verb 'are'.
Removal of the markers
There are instances where the markers can be omitted. The language permits such omission. When such is the case, the same principle still applies. Let's consider some examples.
1. Joe thought [that] it was a tremendous idea.
Grammatical name: Noun clause
Grammatical function: Object of the verb 'thought'.
2. Then, I realized [that] she was drunk.
Grammatical name: Noun clause
Grammatical function: Object of the verb 'realized'.
You will notice that the omission is at the object position.
More explanations
1. I have met the person that designed the Nigerian flag.
2. I can see that you are very hardworking.
Step 1: What is the marker in the underlined expression? THAT, right? 👍🏿
Step 2: Check if there is a verb in the underlined expression. Of course, there is. 'designed', isn't it? Good!
Step 3: Check the word before the marker (THAT). Is it a verb? Definitely, NO! So, the underlined expression cannot be a noun clause. In this case it is an adjectival clause. Why? Because the word before the marker (THAT) is a noun, not a verb. So, we shall proceed to write out our answer thus:
Grammatical name: Adjectival clause
Grammatical function: It qualifies the noun 'person'.
If it were NECO, the grammatical name remains the same but the grammatical function will be written thus:
It qualifies the noun phrase 'the person'.
Let's consider the next example:
I can see that you are very hardworking.
Step 1: Check if any of our markers is in the underlined expression. Is it? Yes! THAT.
Step 2: Check if there is there is a verb in the underlined expression. Is there a verb in the underlined expression? Yes, there is! 'are' isn't it?
Step 3: Now check the work coming before the marker THAT. Is the word a noun? No, it is a verb. So the underlined expression will be a noun clause, not adjectival clause. You know why? Because the word coming before the marker is a verb, not a noun. Is is understood. So, we proceed to write out the answer clearly thus:
Grammatical name: Noun clause
Grammatical function: Object of the verb 'can see'.
I believe you now understand the lesson, why not try to identify the grammatical names and grammatical functions of the underlined expressions in the sentences below.
1. He had thought of the embarrassments that he would face having dumped his wife.
2. He thought that he would be embarrassed.
3. He hid behind the person who was absent.
4. The teacher knew who was absent.
You will find other posts on other grammatical names and grammatical functions in the links below.
The Adjectival clause
The Adjectival phrase
The Adverbial phrase/clause
The noun clause/noun phrase as subject http://olabanjititles.blogspot.com/2019/10/english-titles-functions-of-noun.html?m=1
The noun clause/noun phrase as object 1
The noun clause/noun phrase as indirect object 2
The noun clause/noun phrase as apposition
The noun clause/noun phrase as complement
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75 Comments
what is the grammatical name and function for (inaudible and evasive answer)
ReplyDeleteHello, dear reader! The grammatical name and function of ...inaudible and evasive answer... can only be known if you will send to me the entire sentence in which that 'phrase' is used.
ReplyDeleteFrom what you sent, I can only tell you it's a phrase. Send the entire sentence where the phrase was clipped to me on WhatsApp on 08037699294. I will await your response.
The panel of investigation is meeting tomorrow
DeletePls help
DeleteU hat is the grammatical name and function for whose young wife was pregnant with their first baby
ReplyDelete*what
DeleteHello, dear reader! The grammatical name of the expression is Adjectival clause; however, the function can only be deciphered if the sentence in which the expression 'whose young wife was pregnant with their first baby' is known.
ReplyDeleteHello, dear reader! The grammatical name of the expression is Adjectival clause; however, the function can only be deciphered if the sentence in which the expression 'whose young wife was pregnant with their first baby' is lifted is known.
ReplyDeleteI'll look forward to hearing from you.
But I thought 'is' was a verb?
DeletePlease help me with this. I have to submit it by tomorrow.
ReplyDeletefile:///C:/Users/epson/Desktop/SHS/MADAM%20GLADYS%20ADDAI/nouns%20exercise.pdf
EXERCISE State the grammatical function of the underlined nouns in each of the following sentences:
ReplyDelete1. Granny bakes us cookies every weekend.
2. Mr. Agyei became the President.
3. My friend gave his girlfriend a diamond ring.
4. The legend has been told for centuries.
5. The government’s action may be detrimental to the company.
6. I wrote my best friend a letter.
7. Jessica, the tennis champion, is set to defend her title.
8. Abedi Pele kicked the ball against the painted wall.
9. The building near the mountain is a school.
10. The pesewa is a Ghanaian coin.
Please help me
Hello, dear reader. I am sorry I am just getting to see this. Unfortunately, I can't identify the grammatical names and functions because nothing in the sentences you provided are underlined.
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*have
DeleteWhat is the grammatical name and function of He'll understand if you just let him know I'M HERE TO SEE HIM.the word i'm here to see him.
ReplyDeleteHi, reader. The question you asked above isn't well structured. I will tell you why. Analysing the sentence, for instance, into its clausal elements,you will have SPA
ReplyDeleteHe...............SUBJECT
will understand...VERB/PREDICATOR
if you just let him know I'm here to see him. ......ADVERBIAL
So, going by the analysis above, it is wrong to have been asked for the grammatical name of "I'm here to see him" because it is a nominal clause rankshifted to function as a qualifier in the sentence.
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What is the grammatical name and function of this given expression 'if you are renting a car',.....the complete sentence goes thus if you are renting a car,always check in and around the car before you enter the vehicle.
ReplyDeleteHello, dear reader. Thanks for reading. In the event of that answers are needed urgently, it's better to reach out to me on WhatsApp or call on 08037699294.
ReplyDeleteThe answer to your question is Adverbial Clause (condition); it modifies the verb phrase 'always check in and around'.
EXERCISE Identify the grammatical name and functions of the expression bracket
ReplyDelete1. The lady (with the brown bag) is my cousin
2. I met him (inside the toilet) last week
3. They made it clear to us (we should not sleep there)
4. (Even if he fails to say the word), I shall say it
5. She was so careless that (she even left her handbag)
I suggest you carefully read through each of the posts on grammatical names and functions. They are self-explanatory. Here are your answers.
ReplyDelete1. Adjectival Phrase
It qualifies the noun phrase 'the lady' (some would say, it qualifies the noun 'lady')
2. Adverbial phrase
It modifies the verb 'met'.
Please, contact me on WhatsApp for the answers to the other questions.
Thanks.
What grammatical name is given (if social man is to be understoo
ReplyDeleted at all
Adverbial clause of condition
DeleteOf course 'is' is a verb.
ReplyDeleteAt this moment there was a tremendous uproar 'While major was speaking' four large rats had crept out of their holes and were sitting on their hindquarters.
ReplyDeleteWhat grammertical name is given to this expression as it is used in the passage
Adverbial clause (time)
DeleteIt modifies the verbal group 'had crept out of'.
What is the grammatical name and function of 'If you are renting a car ______________.
ReplyDeleteAdverbial clause of condition
DeleteBy the time AIDS develop is what grammatical name and fuction
ReplyDeleteAdverbial clause (Time)
DeleteHe is just appointed for the post of *the governor's assistant*
ReplyDeleteWhat is the grammatical name and function
Noun phrase
DeleteObject of the preposition 'of'.
what is the grammatical name and function of this expression she always believes what people say
ReplyDeleteYou didn't indicate the part of the sentence that is underlined but I assume it is 'what people say'. This, it is Noun clause; it functions as object of the verb 'believes'.
DeleteWhat is the grammatical name for the phrase'none of this' it was used in a sentence 'none of this'looks good for the GOP
ReplyDeleteGrammatical name: Noun phrase
DeleteSubject of the verb 'looks'.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWhat is the grammatical name forthe phrase,t
ReplyDeletehat a people who could so far civilise brute animals.
The question is incomplete so I won't be able to determine the grammatical function. However, the grammatical name is Noun clause. Object of the verb...
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What is the grammatical name of the above expression " of the death of the dear one is still fresh"
ReplyDeleteHello, Salz. You will have to provide the full sentence before the grammatical name can be determined. For quick response, I can be reached on 08037699294.
ReplyDeletePls am having a hard time identifying adeverbial clause of condition
ReplyDeleteAdverbial clause of condition is usually introduced by 'if' in examples such as:
ReplyDeletei. If indeed he likes her (Adverbial clause), he will come looking for her.
ii. You can overcome that habit if you are intentional about it (ADVC, beginning from 'if').
iii. When he returns home (ADVC), let me know.
iv. Until he leaves (ADVC), I am going nowhere.
what is the difference between a clause and a phrase
ReplyDeleteA clause is a group of words that has a finite verb. On the other hand, a phrase is a group of words without a (finite) verb.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the grammatical name and function of the expression "the pharmacist for the drugs he prescribed" ?
ReplyDeleteWhat's the full sentence, please? And which part of the sentence was underlined?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the grammatical name and function for "So, some of us had two world"
ReplyDeleteHi, Elisha.
ReplyDeleteThe grammatical name can only be determined if a part of the sentence is underlined. In the sentence 'So, some of us had two worlds', if 'some of us' is underlined, the grammatical name will be noun phrase and the function is subject of the verb 'had'. However, if the underlined expression is 'two worlds', the grammatical name will be noun phrase and the function is object of the verb 'had_.
Gud evening all please what is d grammatical name nd functions of the following:
ReplyDeleteThe rest house consisted of two enormous rooms each with a camp-bed and an old mosquito net,a rough wooden table and a chair and a cupboard.just behind the main building there was a thatched she'd used as a kitchen.
Plz I need d grammatical name nd functions
Tank u
ReplyDeleteINDICATE THE GRAMMATICAL TERM/PARTS OF SPEECH AND GRAMMATICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE UNDERLINED WORDS IN THE SENTENCES BELOW:
1. (Amah’s laughs) make me (laugh.)
2. The proof (of) the pudding is in the (eating)
3. (Those) flowers are (beautiful.)
4. The only thing he enjoys is (dancing.)
5. He ran out fast to a (waiting) taxi (immediately) I called him.
6. It takes just a (bite) to know how (delicious) a meal is.
7. Attempting to commit a crime is in (itself criminal)
8. (Reading) does to the mind, (what) exercise does to the body.
9. To err is (human), (to forgive) is divine.
10. Raid insecticide spray kills (insects) (dead).
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DeleteThanks.
What is the grammatical function of *in the morning* she was sitting under the tree
ReplyDeleteAdverbial phrase
ReplyDeleteIt modifies the verbal group/phrase 'was sitting'.
Please, What is the grammatical function of ‘ that good handwriting is not necessary’
ReplyDeleteYou have to post the sentence in which the clause was extracted from before the grammatical name and function can be determined.
DeletePlease what is the grammatical name and function for "end" in The end of the cold war?
ReplyDeleteThe grammatical name of "end" and its function? 'The end of the cold war' is a phrase in which 'end' is the head word which grammatical name and function cannot be determined.
ReplyDeleteMany children also assume because no stress is laid on it, *that good handwriting is not necessary* what is the grammatical function of the highlighted
ReplyDeletePlease what is the grammatical name and function for the sentence
ReplyDeleteMany children also assume,because no premium is laid on it,that good handwriting is not necessary.
That good handwriting is not necessary is underlined
Please Ill appreciate a fast answer
Grammatical name: Noun clause
DeleteGrammatical function: Object of the verb 'assume'.
Please also,the grammatical name and function for
ReplyDeleteHAD A STRAY DOG NOT GIVEN THEM AWAY later in the afternoon,they would have escaped with their loot
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DeleteThe answer to your question is: Adverbial clause (Condition). It modifies the verb phrase 'would have escaped'.
That's a question WAEC asked in a particular year.
Hello Banji,I just checked your posts on grammatical names and functions and I can say I am learning. Thanks !!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yemisi.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the grammatical name and function of
ReplyDeleteBoys like playing football
Playing football is underlined
Noun phrase
DeleteObject of the verb 'like'.
What is the grammatical name and function of I invited them to punish them
ReplyDeletePunish them is underlined
Noun phrase
DeleteComplement of the preposition 'to'
What is the grammatical name and function of I have decided to see him
ReplyDeleteTo see him is underlined
Noun phrase
DeleteObject of the verb :decided'.
What is the expression's "if he had been the poorest man in my Kingdom,..."grammatical name and function
ReplyDeleteAdverbial clause (Condition)
DeleteDear esteemed reader, the grammatical name cannot be determined because you didn't post the full sentence from which the clause was culled.
You may wish to contact me on via WhatsApp on 08037699294.
Thanks.
What is the grammatical name and function of 'His laugh was wild and forced'
ReplyDelete