The first grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the subject. Subjects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that perform the action of or act upon the predicate. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as subjects: * Whoever ate my lunch is in big trouble. * How you will finish all your homework on time is beyond me. * That the museum cancelled the lecture disappoints me.
Noun Clauses as Subject Complements
The second grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the subject complement. Subject complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow a copular verb and describe the subject. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as subject complements: * The truth was that the moving company lost all your furniture. * My question is whether you will sue the company for losses. * The first place winner will be whoever swims the farthest in an hour.
Noun Clauses as Direct Objects
The third grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the direct object. Direct objects are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that follow and receive the action of a transitive verb. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as direct objects: * The counselor has been wondering if she chose the right career. * Do you know when the train should arrive? * Our dog eats whatever we put in his bowl.
Noun Clauses as Object Complements
The fourth grammatical function that noun clauses can perform is the object complement. Object complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that directly follow and describe the direct object. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as object complements: * Her grandfather considers his biggest mistake that he did not finish college. * The committee has announced the winner whoever wrote the essay on noun clauses. * I have often declared the