A noun clause is a subordinate clause that

functions as a noun

A noun clause can be a subject, a predicate nominative, a direct object, an indirect object, or an object of a preposition.

It can come at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

Which coat to choose Which coat to choose is Mohammad’s dilemma. [subject]

The issue is how long should we how long should we waitwait. [predicate nominative]

Give what you can what you can to this worthy cause. [direct object]

Please send whoever is interestedwhoever is interested this questionnaire. [indirect object]

Please help yourself to whatever whatever you needyou need. [object of preposition]

How If That What Whatever When Where Whether

Which Who Whoever Whom Whomever Whose Why

An overuse of noun clauses can make your writing sound stuffy and stilted.

Original: Whatever the grade may Whatever the grade may be is not the issue. be is not the issue.

Less formal, less wordy: The grade The grade is not the issue. is not the issue.

1. You know that you’re the fastest runner on the team.

2. Whoever wins tomorrow’s race will compete in the county meet.

3. A better long jumper is what we need most on this team.

4. Coach Lazdowski certainly knows when she can get the maximum effort out of us.

5. What she does with this team is quite impressive.

1. Why Jimmy didn’t try out for the team is beyond me.

2. Why can’t we just make whoever is qualified part of this team?

3. Only the individual involved can decide whether he or she will try out for a team.

4. Please give whoever tries out next year lots of encouragement.

5. Sometimes, the problem is deciding which of two teams to join.