explain a noun clause?

Answer 1

It is a subordinate clause that is used as a noun. (subordinate clause = dependant clause) I think it is easier to think of clauses as dependent & independant, because we are more familar with those terms. An independant clause can stand alone; in other words, it is a complete sentence. All clauses must have a subject & predicate (noun & verb), otherwise it is a phrase. A noun clause can be used anywhere a noun can be.

Here's an example:
with noun - The winner goes to the state play-offs. - "Winner" is the subject.
with noun clause - Whoever wins this game goes to the state play-offs. - "Whoever wins this game" is the subject.

Usually noun clauses begin with that, what, where, when, who, whom, which, whose, how, why, whether, etc.

Answer 2

A noun clause is a group of words with its own subject-verb combination that functions as a single unit and that functions grammatically as a noun does. It is a dependant clause that can be used a noun or pronoun. Here are a couple examples: Whoever wins the race will receive the trophy.
(A noun clause serves as the subject of the sentence.)

This grade is what I deserve.
(A noun clause serves as the subject complement.)

Thomas made her angry.

"Thomas" is a proper noun, functioning as the subject of this sentence.

" That "he had even asked her made her angry.

The clause "that he had even asked her" is the
subject of this sentence. These are just a few examples of how you can recognize a sentence that has a noun/pronoun and the connecting parts of the sentence that make it a 'clause'. Hope this helps. Here are some sites that might help you.

Answer 3

http://www.edict.com.hk/vlc/clauses/nounclause.htm

This site has a good explaination (and examples) of what a noun clause is. Basically, it is a clause (group of words containing its own subject and finite verb) that replaces a single noun in various parts of speach.

Good luck!