In Skill 7 we saw that noun clause connectors can be used to introduce noun clauses. In Skill 8 we will see that in some cases a noun clause connector is not just a connector; a noun clause connector can also be the subject of the clause at the same time. Study the clauses and connectors in the following sentences.
I know what happened yesterday
NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT OF VERB
We are thinking about what happened yesterday.
NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT OF PREPOSITION
In the first example, there are two clauses: I know and what happened yesterday. These two clauses are joined by the connector what. It is important to understand that in this sentence the word what serves two functions. It is both the subject of the verb happened and the connector that joins the two clauses.
In the second example, there are two clauses. In the first clause we is the subject of are thinking. In the second clause what is the subject of happened. What also serves as the connector that joins the two clauses. The noun clause what happened yesterday functions as the object of the preposition about.
The following example shows how this sentence pattern could be tested in the Structure section of the TOEFL test.
Example
The company was prepared for ________ happened with the economy.
(A) it
(B) the problem
(C) what
(D) when
EXERCISE 8: Each of the following sentences contains more than one clause. Underline the subjects once and the verbs twice. Circle the connectors. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. The teacher heard who answered the question. (C)
Analysis:
Who answered the question is a noun clause connector, and the sentence is correct.
2. I do not understand it went wrong. (I)
Analysis:
it went wrong is a noun clause connector/subject. But, the sentence is incorrect.
It should be what went wrong
3. Of the three movies, I can’t decide which is the best. (C)
Analysis:
Which is the best is a noun clause connector/subject. The sentence is correct.
4. She did not remember who in her class. (I)
Analysis:
Who in her class is a noun clause connector, but the sentence is incorrect.
It should be Who is in her class.
5. No one is sure what did it happen in front of the building. (I)
Analysis:
What did it happen in front of the building is a nouc clause connector, but the sentence is incorrect.
It should be what happened in front of the building.
6. We found out which was her favorite type of candy. (C)
Analysis:
Which was her favorite type of candy is a noun clause connector/subject, and the sentence is correct.
7. Do you know what caused the plants to die? (C)
Analysis:
What caused the plants to die is a noun clause connector/subject and the sentence is correct.
8. I am not sure which it is the most important course in the program. (I)
Analysis:
which it is the most important course in the program is a nou clause connector/subject, but it is
incorrect.
It should be which is the most important course in the program.
9. We thought about who would be the best vice president.(C)
Analysis:
Who would be the best vice president is a noun clause connector, and the sentence is correct.
10. She saw what in the box in the closet. (I)
Analysis:
What in the box in the closet is a noun clause connector, but it is incorrect.
It should be what is in the box in the closet.
Continue with:
- Exercise 7 - 8, TOEFL Exercise (7-8) and TOEFL Review Exercise (1-8). Click here to read them
- Or download all material here
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