Noun clause is a type of subordinate clause that serves as a noun in a sentence. It is fairly easy to spot them since they usually begin with certain subordinating conjunctions and relative pronouns.
A noun clause has multiple functions too. One of these functions is to act as a subject by constituting the action in a sentence. A noun clause as a subject usually comes immediately before the verb and at the beginning of a sentence.
Structure:
noun clause + verb [+ object/phrase/clause]
| noun clause | verb | object/phrase/clause |
| Whoever made it through the night | gets | the highly coveted award. |
| Why she ever married that arrogant fool | is | beyond me. |
| Whether he is participating in the conference | is | no concern of mine. |
Tips:
a. Noun clause as a subject should not be separated from the verb with punctuation.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Whichever you choose, is fine with us. | Whichever you choose is fine with us. |
| What excited them the most, is the possibility of working remotely. | What excited them the most is the possibility of working remotely. |
b. When a noun clause functions as a subject, it always takes a singular verb.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| How bosses treat their subordinates are important signs of their prevailing company culture. | How bosses treat their subordinates is an important sign of their prevailing company culture. |
| Exactly why they chose to take that train remain a mystery. | Exactly why they chose to take that train remains a mystery. |
c. That–clause
A noun clause as a subject that starts with “that” is totally acceptable. However, it doesn’t sound natural. In written English, many writers opt for “The fact that”.
| That he remembers every single detail of the incident is incredible. |
| The fact that he remembers every single detail of the incident is incredible. |