Sentence Complexity and Embedding

Subordinate Noun Clauses

Activity 15.5: Noun Clause Structure

Determine the grammaticality of these sentences.  Put an asterisk in front of the sentences that you find ungrammatical.  What does this show you about noun clauses?

1. We saw that the answer was wrong.
2. We saw the answer was wrong.

3. She doubted that I could lift a Hummer.
4. She doubted I could lift a Hummer.

5. That he stole a necklace is indisputable.
*6. He stole a necklace is indisputable.

7. That I could lift a Hummer surprised everyone.
*8. I could lift a Hummer surprised everyone.

9. I asked whether he liked fish.
*10. I asked he liked fish.

11. Whether he likes fish is not important.
*12. He likes fish is not important.

Rule:

The subordinating conjunction that can be deleted if the noun clause functions as a direct object.

The subordinating conjunctions whether and if can never be deleted.

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