- Online English Courses: - Noun Clause Derived from Wh Question

Noun Clause can be derived from Wh Questions. The structure of Noun Clause in this pattern is different from that of the Wh Question. In All Wh questions (except Subject question), the auxiliary precedes the subject. Look at the examples of Wh question:

1 Where does he go everyday ?
2. Where did he go last night?
3. Why is he here every night?
4. When will he come here?
5. Who sweeps this floor everyday? (does is not necessary; it is a question about sbject.)
6.What is she reading ?
7. Who is at the door? (Subject question.)

The Noun Clause derived from the questions above can be seen below. The italized is Noun Clause. The bold is the important thing to be paid attention to.

1. Question : Where does he go everyday?
Noun Clause : I know where he goes everyday. (Noun Clause as an object)
(Wrong : I know where does he do everyday)

2. Question : Where did he go last night?
Noun Clause : No body knows where he went last night. (Noun Clause as an object)
(Wrong : No body knows where did he go last night.)

3. Question : Why is he here every night? Noun Clause : Why he is here every night is not my bussiness. (Noun Clause as a subject)
(Wrong : Why is he here every night is not my bussiness. )

4. Question : When will he come here?
Noun Clause : I wonder when he will come. (Noun clause as an object)
(Wrong: I wonder when will he come.)

5. Question : Who sweeps this floor everyday?
Noun Clause : Does she know who sweeps the floor every day? (Noun clause as an object)

6. Question : What is she reading ?
Noun Clause : What she is reading is a good novel. (Noun Clause as a subject)
(Wrong : What is she reading is a good novel.)

7. Question : Who is at the door?
Noun Clause : I don't know who is at the door. (Noun Clause as an object)