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 phrase 

The Adverbial phrase/clause



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