We will study in a subsequent lesson the use of noun clauses introduced by relative pronouns. In this lesson we are studying the conjunctions.
In the last sentence, I know where it is, the noun clause where it is, is the object of the verb know, and is introduced by the conjunction where.
363. Noun clauses are introduced by the subordinate conjunctions, where, when, whence, whither, whether, how, why, and also by the subordinate conjunction that. For example:
- I know where I can find it.
- I inquired when he would arrive.
- We do not know whence it cometh nor whither it goeth.
- Ask whether the train has gone.
- I don't know how I can find you.
- I cannot understand why he does so.
- I believe that he is honest.
In all of these examples the noun clauses are used as the objects of the verb. Noun clauses may also be used as objects of prepositions. As, for example:
- You do not listen to what is said.
- He talked to me about what had happened.
- He told me to come to where he was.
364. Noun clauses may also be used as the subject of a sentence. As for example:
- That he is innocent is admitted by all.
- That he was guilty has been proven.
- Why he should do this is very strange.
- How we are to live is the great problem.
In all of these sentences, the noun clause is used as the subject of the verb. You will note that most frequently the noun clause used as subject of the verb is introduced by the subordinate conjunction that. But quite often we write these sentences in a somewhat different way. For example:
- It is admitted by all that he is innocent.
- It has been proven that he was guilty.