A noun clause has the following uses in a sentence:

1. As the subject of a verb

A noun clause can be the subject of a verb.

Compare:

• The news was true. (Here the subject is the noun news.)
• What we heard was true. (Here the subject is the noun clause ‘what we heard’.)

2) As the object of a finite verb, participle or infinitive

A noun clause can be the object of a finite verb, participle or infinitive.

• He said something. (Object – something)
• He said that he would come. (Object – that he would come)

3) As the object of a preposition

A noun clause can be the object of a preposition.

• Pay attention to my story. (Object of the preposition – story)
• Pay attention to what I say. (Object of the preposition – what I say)

4) As the object of a verb of incomplete predication

A noun clause can be the object of a verb of incomplete predication. The most common verbs of incomplete predication are: is, are, am, was, were.

• My sister is a nurse. (Object – nurse)
• My belief is that he will come. (Object – that he will come)

In apposition to a noun or pronoun

A noun can be used in apposition to a noun or pronoun. In the same way a noun clause can be used in apposition to a noun / pronoun.

• Tagore, the great Indian poet, lived in British India.
• The news that he is alive made us happy.

Related posts:

1. Noun clause
2. Clauses
3. What are Phrases and Clauses?