Page 116 - IELTS Preparation Grammar and Vocab

16 Noun clauses

Grammar

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. what, when, where,
which, who, why; also whether, whatever, how).

En That-noun clauses
In informal contexts we often leave out that at the beginning of a that-noun clause:
Its 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 ! 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 (up to) and overlook
We have to face (up to)the fact that we don't have enough resources at the moment.
We can often use words like argument, assumption, belief, claim, idea, notion and view instead offact
The idea that it's all hard work is just wrong.

Wit-noun clauses
When a wh-noun clause follows certain nouns (e.g. example, problem), we often have to include of before
the wit-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 ...ohofft-that-ilveltid-

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 be 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. °Ube reason (why khat)most people
volunteer ...
Clearing the vegetation is what is urgently needed, or Clearing the vegetation is something which/that is
urgently needed.
I 14