Noun Clauses

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What you've told us is very interesting. (= The information is very interesting.)

You've probably also heard that the Marsh has been given to the NWT to look after. (= You've probably also heard this report.)

Nine o'clock is when we usually meet. (= Nine o'clock is our usual meeting time.)

A noun clause functions in a sentence in a similar way to a noun (e.g. information, report) or noun phrase (e.g. our usual meeting time). Noun clauses usually begin with that or a wh-word (e.g. how, what, when, where, which, who, why; also whether, whatever)

1.   that- noun clauses

In informal contexts we often leave out that at the beginning of a that- noun clause:  

It's also good to know that they're helping the environment, or ... to know they're helping...

I can guarantee that you'll make a lot of new friends, or I can guarantee you'll make ...

We usually use the fact that (rather than that):

•   when the noun clause is subject:

The fact that you're not a member of the trust makes no difference, (rather than That you're not a member of the trust makes no difference.)

•   after a preposition or after verbs such as change, face and overlook:

We have to face (or face up to) the fact that we don't have enough resources at the moment.

Note: Depending on meaning, we can use words like argument, assumption, belief claim, idea,   notion, and view instead of fact:

The idea that it's all hard work is just wrong.

2.   wh- noun clauses

When a wh- noun clause follows certain nouns (e.g. example, problem), we often have to include

of before the wh-word:

We'd like to follow the example of what they've done at Broadstone Park.

Some verbs (e.g. advise, teach) must have an object before the wh- word:  

I'll be happy to advise you when to come.

Noun clauses beginning how are commonly used after certain verbs (e.g. decide, know): 

It's entirely up to you to decide how much time you can give.

We can use a wh- noun clause, but not a that- noun clause, after a preposition:

If you've got any questions about what I've said so far, I'd be happy to answer them.  (not... about that I've said so far ...)

We can also use noun clauses beginning with whatever (= anything, or it doesn't matter what), whoever (= the person/group who, or any person/group who), or whichever (= one thing or person from a limited number) to talk about things, people or times that are indefinite or unknown:

We will he very grateful for whatever time people can spare.

You can phone whoever is in charge of arranging lifts on the weekend you want to come.

Rather than a wh- noun clause, we can often use a noun or pronoun which has a meaning related to the wh- word:

Why most people volunteer is that they want fresh air and exercise, or

The reason (why/that) most people volunteer ...

Clearing the vegetation is what is urgently needed, or

Clearing the vegetation is something which/that is urgently needed.

 
Other words used in this way include the place (rather than where), the time (rather than when), the way (rather than how) and somebody/someone (rather than who).

3. whether and if

We can use whether as the wh- word in a noun clause when we talk about possible choices.

Whether has a similar meaning to if.

I can't remember whether it runs on Sundays.

Notice the difference between sentences with whether- and that- noun clauses:

I didn't know whether/if the bus service has been cancelled. (= it may or may not have been

cancelled)

I didn't know that the bus service had been cancelled. (= it was cancelled; now I know)

Note: In rather formal contexts, particularly in writing, we can use as to with a meaning similar to   'about' or 'concerning' before a whether noun clause:

There was some debate as to whether he could legally give us the land.

We use whether, not if-

•  before or not:

I don't know whether or not I'd be able to come on a regular basis.

However:

I don't know whether/if I'd be able to come on a regular basis or not.

•  before a to-infinitive:

I can't make up my mind whether to help on Saturdays or Sundays.

•  usually after a preposition, and also after the verbs advise, choose, consider, debate, discuss, enquire, question:

You can think about whether you'd like to be involved.

You can choose whether you want to work indoors or outdoors.

•  in a clause acting as a subject or complement:

Whether you help with the outdoor or indoor work depends on you. (= subject)  

What I'm not clear about is whether we can get a lift to the reserve. (= complement)