A dependent clause that functions as a noun; noun clauses begin with relative pronouns that, which, who, whom, whose or interrogative pronouns: what, when, why, where.

A dependent clause that functions as a noun; noun clauses begin with relative pronouns that, which, who, whom, whose or interrogative pronouns: what, when, why, where.

• A. Subordinate Clause
• B. Adjective Clause
• C. Adverb Clause
• D. Noun Clause

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how a dependent clause can function as a noun inside a sentence. When a clause acts as a noun, it can stand in for a person, place, thing, or idea and serve as the subject, the direct object, or the object of a preposition. Noun clauses almost always start with question words like what, when, where, why (and sometimes with who, which, that, whose). That framing is why this type is named a noun clause. For example, What you did surprised me. Here the whole clause acts as the subject. I know what time it is. Here the clause functions as the object of know. She wondered where we would go. The clause here is the object of wondered. In contrast, an adjective clause modifies a noun and begins with who, which, or that, not acting as a noun on its own. An adverb clause modifies a verb or the whole clause and begins with words like because, although, or when. A subordinate clause is the broader umbrella term for all of these, but the one described here is specifically a noun clause.

The idea being tested is how a dependent clause can function as a noun inside a sentence. When a clause acts as a noun, it can stand in for a person, place, thing, or idea and serve as the subject, the direct object, or the object of a preposition. Noun clauses almost always start with question words like what, when, where, why (and sometimes with who, which, that, whose). That framing is why this type is named a noun clause.

For example, What you did surprised me. Here the whole clause acts as the subject. I know what time it is. Here the clause functions as the object of know. She wondered where we would go. The clause here is the object of wondered.

In contrast, an adjective clause modifies a noun and begins with who, which, or that, not acting as a noun on its own. An adverb clause modifies a verb or the whole clause and begins with words like because, although, or when. A subordinate clause is the broader umbrella term for all of these, but the one described here is specifically a noun clause.