Syntax - 2013/2
Introduction to Nominal Clauses
Issues for debate:
1. What are noun phrases? Clauses?
2. Write sentences using the noun phrase a/the fool to function as: subject, subject complement, direct object,
adjectival complement, and prepositional object.
a)______________________________________________________________________________________
b)_______________________________________________________________________________________
c)_______________________________________________________________________________________
d) _______________________________________________________________________________________
e) _______________________________________________________________________________________
1 – NOMINAL CLAUSES
A nominal clause, or noun clause, is a dependent clause that can occur in the same place as a noun, pronoun or
noun phrase in a sentence. Nominal clauses begin with wh-words, if, whether, or that. As a matter of fact, a
nominal clause can replace a noun phrase or a pronoun in a sentence, as in the following examples:
a) Your paper was excellent.
b) What you wrote was excellent.
e) I read it.
d) I read what you wrote.
2 - Occurrences:
Just as noun phrases, every nominal clause may occur as subject, complement, and object.
a) Whether we need it is a different matter.
b) I don't know whether we need it.
c) The problem is whether we need it.
d) The decision must depend on whether we need it.
3. Nominal clauses - major categories:




The that- clause or dependent declarative clause
The dependent Interrogative Clause ( wh- interrogative and yes-no interrogative)
Nominal to-infinitve clauses
Nominal –ing clauses
3.1 THAT-CLAUSES
a) If THAT introduces the object of the verb, it can be deleted.
e.g. I could not believe (that) he had lied to us.
b) THAT cannot be omitted when it introduces a noun clause used as subject of the verb.
e.g. That he had lied to us was unbelievable.
3.2 WH- INTERROGATIVE CLAUSES
these are introduced by wh-words and occur in the whole range of functions available to that-clauses.
e.g. How the book will sell largely depends on its author .
Some practice:
1. Identify the noun clause by underlining it. Then classify the function of the dependent clauses in the
sentences below under the following headings:
(a) subject
(b) direct object
(d) prepositional complement
(e) adjectival complement
(c) subject complement
1. What I remember most of that evening is the reasonableness of my father's arguments.
2. The truth is that I really liked him.
3. My father was sure that I would overcome my fears.
4. He strongly disapproved of what I had been doing.
5. Whoever he visits on his day off is widely known.
6. She wanted to know whether the lights should be turned off.
7. How he killed his wife was witnessed by his maid.
8. No one was consulted on when the paper had to be handed in.
9. That the president will resign was announced in the news.
10. She asked if they had to be so impolite.
11. When you can do it is still uncertain.
12. What I like the best is the freedom I have to make my own decisions.
13. My mother told me that I would miss her and she was absolutely right.
14. I want whatever is best for my kids.
15. Whether to live or to stay is a matter of time.
16. It seems that he likes his school.
2. Add nominal clauses to each of the parts of sentences given below. Then label the type of clause you’ve
chosen. Note that the clauses are arranged in groups according to function.
Subject:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
…. soon become obvious.
….creates a rather difficult situation.
….angered him.
….is none of your business.
….remains a great mystery.
Object:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I can’t tell her…
The criminal pretended…
No one seemed to know…
It took us three weeks to estimate…
She told everyone…
Subject Complement:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
My problem is…
His plan was…
Our main concerns is …
What bothers him is…
The question is…
Adjectival Complement:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
I was aware…
It is surprising…
We are all convinced…
He isn’t certain…
It’s annoying…
Prepositional Complement:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
No one was consulted on…
I am delighted at…
He is tired of …
We were all shocked by…
She couldn’t decide on…
3. Answer the following questions by using Nominal Clauses as the objects of each sentence.
1) How cold was it last night? I don't know
2) Where did you roommate go last night? I didn't ask him
3) Who had a party last night? I don't know
4) Where was it? I have no idea
5) When did it start? I can't tell you
6) When was it over? I can't say.
7) How did Reza get home? I don't know
8) Whose car did he borrow? He didn't say
9) Do you know whether or not he enjoyed the party? He didn't tell me