Noun Clauses and Other Complements
Advanced Curriculum Vocabulary
Noun clauses in the subject position are very rare in academic writing. Instead, they
usually follow verbs as objects or adjective and nouns as complements.
1. Noun Clauses after Verbs
The most important function of noun clauses is to present and paraphrase information
from sources. Therefore, noun clauses are particularly common in academic writing
when they follow reporting verbs in summaries, restatements, and citations. (Although
that is optional, it is best to keep it because it marks the beginning of a noun clause.
Omitting it sounds more casual.)
The Most Frequent Academic Reporting Verbs Followed by Noun Clauses (in declining
order)
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




say
show
suggest
know
see
find






ensure
indicate
think
believe
mean
feel
Example: In his article, “Let ‘em cheat” (2007), Kinnaman suggests that professors
should allow students to use internet sources when taking tests, rather than banning
them.
Your turn: Complete the following sentences with a noun clause.
Anthropologist Susan Blum believes____________________
Many professors feel________________________________
In her article, “Some thoughts on teaching and academic integrity”, Ellen Kennedy
indicates_____________
Many students think_____________________________________________________
Adapted from Darby Smith and Monika Mulder, Winter 2011
Noun Clauses and Other Complements
Advanced Curriculum Vocabulary
2. Two Common Grammatical Patterns for Noun Clauses After Verbs
When the noun clause comes after the verb, there are 2 common structural patterns. In
order to remember them, it is helpful to put them in 2 groups based on meaning.
A. Mental verbs - Refer to “private” intellectual states and acts and follow the verb +
noun clause pattern







believe
feel
find
know
mean
see
think
B. Communication verbs - Report information and follow the verb + noun clause pattern
or the verb + to someone/ something + noun clause pattern





say (e.g., say that something happened or say to someone that something
happened)
show (also can be verb + NP + that clause)
indicate
suggest (subjunctive)
ensure
Example: The research findings showed the committee of academic integrity that
students were plagiarizing frequently in their writing assignments.
OR
The research findings showed the students were plagiarizing frequently in their writing
assignments.
Your turn. Complete the sentence with a noun clause:
The evidence indicates
The research suggests
Scientists know
Researchers believe
Adapted from Darby Smith and Monika Mulder, Winter 2011
Noun Clauses and Other Complements
Advanced Curriculum Vocabulary
3. Noun Clauses after Adjectives (Complements)
Noun clauses with it as a subject are common in academic writing. These structures
are some of the most important ways to express attitude in writing. The It + is +
adjective + noun clause pattern is used to evaluate an idea. The adjective expresses
the author’s attitude or evaluation, and the idea is expressed in the noun clause.
Author’s Attitude or
Evaluation
certainty
possibility
doubt
importance
other attitudes
It + is + Adjective that
it is certain / clear / correct / evident / obvious / plain / right /
true that
it is impossible / likely / possible / probable that
it is doubtful / unlikely that
it is critical / crucial / essential / imperative / important /
necessary / vital that
it is accepted / acceptable
amazing / arguable / desirable / disappointing / inevitable /
interesting / necessary / notable / noteworthy / preferable /
surprising / understandable / unusual / well known that
Example: It is doubtful that cell phones cause brain damage.
Your turn: Complete the sentence with a noun clause.
It is widely accepted
It is surprising
It is evident
It is essential
4. Noun Clauses as Noun Complements
Noun + noun clause is also commonly used in academic writing to evaluate an idea. In
this case, the noun expresses the author’s attitude or evaluation, and the idea is
expressed in the that-clause.
Adapted from Darby Smith and Monika Mulder, Winter 2011
Noun Clauses and Other Complements
Advanced Curriculum Vocabulary
Author’s Attitude or
Evaluation
certainty
possibility
Common Nouns followed by Noun Clauses
conclusion fact
assumption belief
little doubt
no doubt
claim possibility
suggestion
Other Academic Nouns Frequently Modified by Noun Clauses (in declining order)
1. doubt
2. idea
3. grounds
4. view
5. sense
6. notion
7. hypothesis
8. observation
9. report
10. sign
Example: There is little doubt that we are dependent on our technology.
Your turn: Complete the sentence with a noun clause.
It is a fact
There is some possibility
It is a widely held assumption
Scientist make the claim
Adapted from Darby Smith and Monika Mulder, Winter 2011