CONTENTS

12-1 Introduction 12-5 Noun clauses beginning with that

12-2 Noun clauses beginning with 12-6 Quoted speech
a question word 12-7 Reported speech: verb forms in
12-3 Noun clauses beginning with noun clauses
whether or if 12-8 Using the subjunctive in noun clauses
12-4 Question words followed by infinitives 12-9 Using -ever words

- -

independent clause A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb.*

I I
(a) Sue lives in Tokyo. An independent clause (or main clause) is a complete sentence. It contains
independent clause
the main subject and verb of a sentence. Examples (a) and (b) are
complete sentences. (a) is a statement, and (b) is a question.
(b) ' Where does Sue live? '
dependent clause A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is not a complete sentence. It must
I 1
(c) where Sue lives be connected to an independent clause. Example (c) is a dependent clause.

indep. cl. dependent cl. Example (d) is a complete sentence. It has an independent clause with the
I-
(d) I know where Sue lives. main subject (I) and verb (know) of the sentence. Where Sue lives is a
dependent clause connected to an independent clause. Where Sue lives is
called a noun clause.

1 noun phrase I A noun phrase is used as a subject or an object. 1

1 (elsaw' interesting A noun clause is used as a subject or an object. In other words, a noun clause
I
1
noun clause
( f ) ' What he said'was
1 is used in the same ways as a noun phrase.
In (e): His s t m y is a noun phrase. It is used as the subject of the sentence.
In ( f ) : What h e s a i d is a noun clause. Ir is used as the subject of the
I I sentence. The noun clause has its own subject (he) and verb (said). I
I noun phrase I In (g): h i s story is a noun phrase. It is used as the object of the verb heard. I
I (g) I heard'his story.' I 1
noun clause In (h): what h e said is a noun clause. It is used as the object of the verb
I I
heard.

-
(h) I heard what h e said.
noun phrase In ( i ) :his story is a noun phrase. It is used as the object of the preposition to.
( i ) I listened to his story.
noun clause In (j) : w h a t h e s a i d is a noun clause. It is used as the object of the
r I
( j ) I listened to what h e said. preposition to.

*A phrase is a group of words that does NOT contain a subject and a verb.
**See Appendix Unit B for more information about question words and question forms.
 EXERCISE 1. Noun clauses. (Chart 12-1)
Directions: Add the necessary punctuation and capitalization to the following. Underline
the noun clauses.

1. I couldn't hear the teacher what did she say

4 I couldn't hear the teacher. W h a t did she say?

2. I couldn't hear what the teacher said.

A
3. Where did Tom go no one knows

4. No one knows whereTom went

5. Where Tom went is a secret

6. What does Anna want we need to know

7. We need to know what Anna wants

8. What does Alex need do you know

9. Do you know what Alex needs

10. What Alex needs is a new job

1 1 . We talked about what Alex needs

12. What do you need did you talk to your parents about what you need

QUESTION NOUN CLAUSE In (a): where she lives is the object of the
Where does she live? (a) I don't know where she lives. verb know. In a noun clause, the subject
What did he say?' (b) I couldn't hear what he said. precedes the verb. Do not use question word
When do they arrive? (c) Do you know when they arrive? order in a noun clause.
Notice: does, did, and do are used in
questions, but not in noun clauses. See
Appendix Unit B for more information about
question words and question forms.

I-
S v
Who lives there?
What happened?
I
-- S v
(d) I don't know who lzves there.
(e) Please tell me what happened.
In (d): The word order is the same in both the
question and the noun clause because who is
the subject in both.
Who is at the door? (f) I wonder who is at the door.

v
n-
Who is she?
S

Who are those men?

-- S v
(g) I don't know who she 2s.
(h) I don't know who those men are.
In (g): she is the subject of the question, so it is
placed in kont of the verb be in the noun
clause.*
Whose house is that? (i) I wonder whose house that is.
What did she say? ( j ) What she said surprised. me. In (j): What she said is the subject of the
What should they do? (k) What they should do is obvious. sentence. Notice in (k): A noun clause subject
takes a singular verb (e.g., is).
- -

*COMPARE:
Who i s at the door? = who is the subject of the question.
W h o are those men? = those men is the subject of the question, so be is plural.

240 CHAPTER 12
EXERCISE 2. Noun clauses beginning with a question word. (Chart 12-2)
Directions: Change the question in parentheses to a noun clause.
1. (How old is he?) I don't know he is
how o ~ A
2. (What was he talking about?) uko\t he wd\S to\lkhg o\bokt
was interesting.
(Where do you live?) Please tell me

(What did she say?) wasn't true.

(When are they coming?) Do you know ?

(How much does it cost?) I can't remember

(Which one does he want?) Let's ask him

(Who is coming to the party?) I don't know

(Who are those people?) I don't know

(Whose pen is this?) Do you know ?

(Why did they leave the country?) is a secret.

(What are we doing in class?) is easy.

(Where did she go?) is none of your business.

(How many letters are there in the English alphabet?) I don't remember

(Who is the mayor of New York City?) I don't know

(How old does a person have to be to get a driver's license?) I need to find out
- -

17. (What happened?) I don't know

18. (Who opened the door?) I don't know

Noun Clauses 241

 EXERCISE 3. Noun clauses beginning with a question word. (Chart 12-2)
Directions: Work in pairs, in groups, or as a class.
Speaker A: Your book is open. Ask the question.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. Begin your response with "I don't know . . . ."
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open): What time is it?
SPEAKER B (book closed): I don't know what time it is.

(Switch roles if working in pairs.)

1. Where does ( . . . ) live? 13. What is ( . . . )'s favorite color?
2. What country is ( . . . ) from? 14. How long has ( . . . ) been married?
3. How long has ( . . . ) been living here? 15. Why are we doing this exercise?
4. What is ( . . . )'s telephone number? 16. Who turned off the lights?
5. Where is the post ofice? 17. Where is ( . . . ) going to eat
6. How far is it to (Kansas City)? lunchldinner?
7. Why is ( . . . ) absent? 18. When does (the semester) end?
8. Where is my book? 19. Where did ( . . . ) go after class yesterday?
9. What kind of watch does ( . . . ) have? 20. Why is ( . . . ) smiling?
10. Why was ( . . . ) absent yesterday? 21. How often does ( . . . ) go to the library?
11. Where did ( . . . ) go yesterday? 22. Whose book is that?
12. What kind of government does (Italy) 23. How much did that book cost?
have? 24. Who took my book?

EXERCISE 4. Noun clauses beginning with a question word.

(Chart 12-2 and Appendix Unit B)
Directions: Make a question from the given sentence. The words in parentheses should be
the answer to the question you make. Use a question word (who, what, how, etc.).*
Then change the question to a noun clause.
1. Tom will be here (next week).
QUESTION: LJherz will TOW
be heve?
NOUN CLAUSE:
Please tell me w h e h Tow will be heve.
2. He is coming (because he wants to visit his fiends).
QUESTION:

NOUN CLAUSE:
Please tell me
3. He'll be on flight (645, notflight 742).
QUESTION:
NOUN CLAUSE:
Please tell me

*See Appendix Unit B for information about forming questions.

242 CHAPTER 12
 4 . (Jim Hunter) is going to meet him at the airport.
QUESTION:
NOUN CLAUSE:
Please tell me
5. Jim Hunter is (his roommate).
QUESTION:
NOUN CLAUSE:
Please tell me
6. Tom's address is (4149 Riverside Road).
QUESTION:
NOUN CLAUSE: Please tell me
7. He lives (on Riverside Road in Columbus, Ohio, USA).
QUESTION:
NOUN CLAUSE:
Please tell me
8. He was (in Chicago) last week.
QUESTION:
NOUN CLAUSE:
Please tell me
9. He has been working for IBM* (since 1998).
QUESTION:
NOUN CLAUSE: DO YOU know
10. He has (an ZBM) computer at home.
QUESTION:

NOUN CLAUSE: DOyou know

EXERCISE 5. Noun clauses beginning with a question word.

(Chart 12-2 and Appendix Unit B)
Directions: Use the words in parentheses to complete the sentences. Use any appropriate
verb tense. Some of the completions contain noun clauses, and some contain questions.
1. A: Where (Ruth, go) AiA Rlhtk 4 0 ? She's not in her room.
B: I don't know. Ask her friend Tina. She might know where (Ruth, go)

2. A: Oops! I made a mistake. Where (my eraser, be) ?

Didn't I lend it to you?
B: I don't have it. Ask Sally where (it, be) . I think I saw
her using it.

*IBM = the name of a corporation (International Business Machines)

Noun Clauses 243

 3. A: The door isn't locked! Why (Fred, lock, not) it
before he left?*
B: Why ask me? How am I supposed to know why (he, lock, not)
it? Maybe he just forgot..

4. A: Mr. Lee is a recent immigrant, isn't he? How long (he, be)
in this country?
B: I have no idea, but I'll be seeing Mr. Lee this afternoon. Would you like me to ask
him how long (he, live) here?

5. A: Are you a student here? I'm a student here, too. Tell me what classes (you, take)
this term. Maybe we're in some of the same classes.
B: Math 4, English 2, History 6 , and Chemistry 101. What classes (you, take)
3

6. A: Help! Quick! Look at that road sign! Which road (we, be supposed)
to take?
B: You're the driver! Don't look at me! I don't know which road (we, be supposed)
to take. I've never been here before in my entire life.

*Word order in negative questions:

Usual: Why didn'r you call me? (with did + not contracted)
Very formal: Why did you nor call me?

244 CHAPTER 12
 EXERCISE 6 ,Information questions and noun clauses.
(Charts 12-1 and 12-2; Appendix Unit B)
Directions: Work in pairs. Switch roles after every group of five items.
Speaker A: Your book is open. Ask any question using the given words.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. To make sure you understood Speaker A correctly, repeat
what s h e said, using a noun clause. Begin by saying "You want to know . . . ."
Listen to each other's grammar carefully, especially word order.
Example: who \ roommate
SPEAKER A (book open): Who is your roommate?
SPEAKER B (book closed): You want to know who my roommate is.

Example: where \ go
SPEAKER A (book open): Where did you go after class yesterday?
SPEAKER B (book closed): You want to know where I went after class yesterday.

Example: how far \ it

SPEAKER A (book open): How far is it from Bangkok to Rangoon?
SPEAKER B (book closed): You want to know how far it is from Bangkok to Rangoon.

1. whose \ that 11. who \ prime minister 21. when \ get

2. how much \ cost 12. which \ want 22. where \ located
3. what time \ get 13. why \ blue 23. who \ is
4. how long \ you 14. what \ after 24. who \ talk
5. what kind \ have 15. fiom whom \ borrow 25. how many \ go

6. when \ you 16. where \ born 26. what \ tomorrow

7. where \ last night 17. what color \ eyes 27. how far \ it
8. why \ didn't 18. whose \ is 28. what kind \ buy
9. what \ like 19. which \ you 29. how often \ you
10. where \ the teacher 20. why \ ask 30. to whom \ give

YES/NOQUESTION NOUN CLAUSE When a yes/no question is changed to a

Will she come? (a) I don't know whether she come. noun clause, whether or if is used to
I don't know ifshe will come. introduce the clause.
Does he need help? (b) I wonder whether he needs help. (Note: Whether is more acceptable in
I wonder if he needs help. formal English, but ifis quite commonly
used, especially in speaking.)

(c) I wonder whether or not she will come. In (c), (d), and (e): Notice the patterns
(d) I wonder whether she will come or not. when or not is used.
(e) I wonder ifshe will come or not.

( f ) Whether she comes or not is In (0:Notice that the noun clause is in the
unimportant to me. subject position.

Noun Clauses 245

 EXERCISE 7. Noun clauses beginning with WHETHER or IF. (Chart 12-3)
Directions: Work in pairs, in groups, or as a class. Begin all responses with "I wonder . . . ."
Examples:
SPEAKER A (book open): Does ( . . . ) need any help?
SPEAKER B (book closed): I wonder whethertif ( . . . ) needs any help.
SPEAKER A (book open): Where is ( . . . )?
SPEAKER B (book closed): I wonder where ( . . . ) is.

1. Where is your friend? 14. What is he doing?

2. Should we wait for him? 15. Is he having trouble?
3. Should you call him? 16. Should you offer to help him?
4. Where is your dictionary? 17. How far is it to (Florida)?
5. Who took your dictionary? 18. Do we have enough time to go to
6. Did ( . . . ) borrow your dictionary? (Florida) over vacation?
7. Who is that woman? 19. Whose book is this?
8. Does she need any help? 20. Does it belong to ( . . . )?
9. Why is the sky blue? 21. Why did dinosaurs become extinct?
10. How long does a butterfly live? 22. Is there life on other planets?
11. What causes earthquakes? 23. How did life begin?
12. When was the first book written? 24. Will people live on the moon
13. Who is that man? someday?

EXERCISE 8. Noun clauses. (Charts 12-2 and 12-3)

Directions: Work in pairs, in groups, or as a class. Begin all responses with "Could you
please tell me . . . ."
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open): What is this?
SPEAKER B (book closed): Could you please tell me what this is?
1. Does this bus go downtown?
2. How much does this book cost?
3. When is Flight 62 expected to arrive?
4. Where is the nearest phone?
5. Is this word spelled correctly?
6. What time is it?
7. Is this information correct?
8. How much does it cost to fly from
(Chicago) to (New York)?
9. Where is the bus station?
10. Whose pen is this?

246 CHAPTER 12
 EXERCISE 9. Error analysis: noun clauses. (Charts 12- 1 -+ 12-3)
Directions: Correct the errors.

1. Please tell me what is your name. -t Please tell me what your name is.

2. No one seems to know when will Maria arrive.

3. I wonder why was Bob late for class.

4. I don't know what does that word mean.

5. I wonder does the teacher know the answer?

6. What should they do about the hole in their roof is their most pressing problem.

7. I'll ask her would she like some coffee or not.

8. Be sure to tell the doctor where does it hurt.

9. Why am I unhappy is something I can't explain.

10. I wonder does Tom know about the meeting or not.

11. I need to know who is your teacher.

12. I don't understand why is the car not running properly.

13. My young son wants to know where do the stars go in the daytime?

(a) I don't know what I should do. Question words (when, where, how, who, whom,
(b) I don't know what to do. whose, what, which) and whether may be
(c) Pam can't decide whether she should go or stay home. followed by an infinitive.
( d ) Pam can't decide whether to go or (to) stay home. Each pair of sentences in the examples has the same
(e) Please tell me how I can get to the bus station. meaning. Notice that the meaning expressed by the
( f ) Please tell me how to get to the bus station. infinitive is either should or canlcould.
(g) Jim told us where we could find it.
( h ) Jim told us where tofind it.

EXERCISE 10. Question words followed by infinitives. (Chart 12-4)

Directions: Create sentences with the same meaning by using infinitives.
1. He told me when I should come. -* He told me when to come.
2. The plumber told me how I could fix the leak in the sink.
3. Please tell me where I should meet you.
4. Don had an elaborate excuse for being late for their date, but Sandy didn't know
whether she should believe him or not.
5. Jim found two shirts he liked, but he had trouble deciding which one he should buy.
6. I've done everything I can think of to help Andy get his life straightened out. I don't
know what else I can do.

Noun Clauses 247

 Complete the following; use injinitives in your completions.
7. I was tongue-tied. I didn't know what

8. A: I can't decide to the reception.

B: How about your green suit?

9. A: Where are you going to live when you go to the university?

B: I'm not sure. I can't decide whether

10. A: Do you know how ?

B: No, but I'd like to learn.

1 1 . A: I don't know what for her birthday. Got any

suggestions?
B: How about a book?

12. My cousin has a dilemma. He can't decide whether or

. What do you think he should do?
13. Before you leave on your trip, read this tour book. It tells you where
and how

STATEMENT NOUN CLAUSE In (a): that h e is a g o o d a c t o r is a noun

He is a good actor. (a) I think that h e is a g o o d actor. clause. It is used as the object of the verb
(b) I think h e is a g o o d actor. think.
The word that, when it introduces a noun
The world is round. (c) We know (that) the world i s round. clause, has no meaning in itself. It simply
marks the beginning of the clause.
Frequently it is omitted, as in (b),
especially in speaking. (If used in
speaking, it is unstressed.)
She doesn't (d) That she doesn't understand spoken English In (d): The noun clause (That s h e
understand spoken is obvious. doesn't u n d e r s t a n d s p o k e n English) is
English. (e) I t is obvious (that) she doesn't understand the subject of the sentence. The word t h a t
spoken English. is not omitted when it introduces a noun
clause used as the subject of a sentence, as
The world is round. ( f ) That the world is round is a fact. in (d) and ( f ) .
(g) I t is a fact that the world is round. More commonly, the word i t functions as
the subject and the noun clause is placed
at the end of the sentence, as in (e) and (g).

248 CHAPTER 12
EXERCISE 1 1. Noun clauses beginning with THAT. (Chart 12-5)
Directions: Work in pairs, in groups, or as a class.
Speaker A: Change the given sentence into a noun clause. Use it + any appropriate
expression from the list.
Speaker B: Give the equivalent sentence by using a that-clause as the subject.
Example: The world is round.
SPEAKER A (book open): It is a fact that the world is round.
SPEAKER B (book closed): That the world is round is a fact.

a fact obvious surprising unfair a shame

a well-known fact apparent strange too bad a Pity
true clear unfortunate

1. Tim hasn't been able to make any friends.

2. Drug abuse can ruin one's health.
3. Some women do not earn equal pay for equal work.
4. The earth revolves around the sun.
5. Irene, who is an excellent student, failed her entrance examination.
6. Smoking can cause cancer.
7. English is the principal language of the business community throughout much of
the world.

EXERCISE 12. Noun clauses beginning with THAT. (Chart 12-5)

Directions: Work in pairs or as a class.
Speaker A: Make an original sentence by using it and the given expression.
Speaker B: Give the equivalent sentence by using a that-clause as the subject.
Example: true
SPEAKER A: It is true that plants need water in order to grow.
SPEAKER B: That plants need water in order to grow is true.

(Switch roles if working in pairs)

1. a fact 6. unfortunate
2. surprising 7. true
3. obvious 8. strange
4. too bad 9. unlikely
5. a well-known fact 10. undeniable

EXERCISE 13. Noun clauses beginning with THAT. (Chart 12-5)

Directions: Complete the sentences.

1. It is my belief that . . . the war between 5. It is widely believed that .

those two countries will end soon. 6. It is thought that . . . .
2. It seems to me that . . . . 7. It has been said that . . . .
3. It is my impression that . . . . 8. It is a miracle that . . . .
4. It is my theory that . . . .

Noun Clauses 249

 EXERCISE 14. Noun clauses beginning with THAT. (Chart 12-5)
Directions: That-clauses may follow be + certain adjectives that express feelings or
attitudes. Complete the following with your own words.
1. I'm sorry (that) . . .I wus 4. I'm pleased (that) . . . . 8. I'm happy (that) . . . .
late for class. 5. I'm surprised [that) . . . . 9. Yesterday I was annoyed
2. I'm glad (that) . . . . 6. I'm sure (that) . . . . , (that) . . . .
3. I'm disappointed 7. I'm amazed (that) . . . . 10. I'm afraid (that)* . . . .
(that). . . .

EXERCISE 15. Noun clauses beginning with THAT. (Chart 12-5)

Directions: A that-clause may follow be directly. Complete the sentences with your own
ideas by using that-clauses.
1. He says he is twenty-one, but the truth is . . . that he is only eighteen.
2. There are two reasons why I do not want to go out tonight.
The first reason is . . . that I have to study.
The second reason is . . . that I do not have enough money.**
3. There are several reasons why I am studying English.
One reason is . . . .
Another reason is . . . .
A third reason is . . . .
4. I have had three problems since I came here.
One problem is that . . . .
Another problem is that . . . .
The third problem I have had is that . . . .
5. One advantage of owning your own car is . . . .
Another advantage is . . . .
One disadvantage, however, of owning your own car is . . . .

EXERCISE 16. Noun clauses beginning with THAT. (Chart 12-5)

Directions: A that-clause is frequently used with the fact. Combine the sentences using
"the fact that" to introduce a noun clause.
1. Ann was late. That didn't surprise me.
+ The fact that Ann was late didn't surprise me.
2. Rosa didn't come. That made me angry.
3. I'm a little tired. I feel fine except for that.
4. Natasha didn't pass the entrance examination. She was not admitted to the university
due to that.
5. Many people in the world live in intolerable poverty. That must concern all of us.

*To be afiaid has two possible meanings:

(1) It can express fear: I'm afraid ofdogs. I'm afraid that his dog will bite me.
( 2 ) In informal English, it often expresses a meaning similar to "to be sorry":
I'm afraid that I can't a a q t your invia&.
I'm afraid you have the wrong number.
**NOTE: That is used, not because, to introduce the clause. (Because might occur only in very informal
spoken English: The first reason is because I have w study.)

250 CHAPTER 12
 6 . Surasuk is frequently absent from class. That indicates his lack of interest in school.
7 . I was supposed to bring my passport to the examination for identification. I was not
aware of that.
8. The people of the town were given no warning of the approaching tornado. Due to
that, there were many casualties.

Quoted speech refers to reproducing words exactly as they were originally spoken."
Quotation marks (". . .") are used.**

QUOTING ONE SENTENCE In (a): Use a comma after she said. Capitalize the first word of
(a) She said, "My brother is a stud en^" the quoted sentence. Put the final quotation marks outside the
period at the end of the sentence.
(b) "My brother is a student," she said. In (b): Use a comma, not a period, at the end of the quoted
sentence when it precedes she said.
(c) "My brother," she said, "is a student." In (c): If the quoted sentence is divided by she said, use a
comma after the first part of the quote. Do not capitalize the
first word after she said.
QUOTING MORE THAN ONE SENTENCE In (d): Quotation marks are placed at the beginning and end of
(d) "My brother is a student. He is attending the complete quote. Notice: There are no quotation marks
a university," she said. after student.
(e) "My brother is a student," she said. In (e): If she said comes between two quoted sentences, the
"
H e is attending a university." second sentence begins with quotation marks and a capital letter.

QUOTING A QUESTION OR AN EXCUhUTION In (0: The question mark is inside the quotation marks. I
(f) She asked, "When will you be here?" In (g): If a question mark is used, no comma is used before she
(g) "When will you be here?" she asked. asked.
(h) She said, "Watch out!" In (h): The exclamation point is inside the quotation marks.
I
(i) "My brother is a student," s a i d A n n a . In (i): The noun subject (Anna) follows s a i d . A noun subject
"My brother," s a i d A n n a , "is a student." often follows the verb when the subject and verb come in the
middle or at the end of a quoted sentence. (Note: A pronoun
subject almost always precedes the verb. Very rare: "My brother's
a student," said she.)
( j ) "Let's leave," w h i s p e r e d Dave. Say and ask are the most commonly used quote verbs. Some
(k) "Please help me," b e g g e d the unfortunate others: add, agree, announce, answer, beg, begin, comment,
man. complain, confess, continue, explain, inquire, promise, remark, reply,
(1) "Well," Jack b e g a n , "it's a long story." respond, shout, suggest, whisper.
*Quoted speech is also called "direct speech." Reported speech (discussed in Chart 12-7, p. 254) is also called "indirect
speech."
**In British English, quotation marks are called "inverted commas" and can consist of either double marks (") or a single
mark ('): She said, 'My brother is a student.'

Noun Clauses 251

17 EXERCISE 17. Quoted speech. (Chart 12-6)
Directions: Add the necessary punctuation and capitalization.

1. Henry said there is a phone call for you

2. There is a phone call for you he said

3. There is said Henry a phone call for you

4. There is a phone call for you it's your sister said Henry

5. There is a phone call for you he said it's your sister

6 . I asked him where is the phone

7. Where is the phone she asked

8. Stop the clock shouted the referee we have an injured player

9. Who won the game asked the spectator

10. I'm going to rest for the next three hours she said I don't want to be disturbed
That's fine I replied you get some rest I'll make sure no one disturbs you

EXERCISE 18. Quoted speech. (Chart 12-6)

Directions: Add the necessary punctuation and capitalization. Notice that a new paragraph
begins each time the speaker changes.

When the police officer came over to my

car, he said let me see your driver's license,

please

What's wrong, Officer l asked was

l speeding

No, you weren't speeding he replied

you went through a red light at the corner

of Fifth Avenue and Main Street you almost

caused an accident

Did I really do that l said I didn't see a

red light

252 CHAPTER 12
EXERCISE 19. Activity: quoted speech. (Chart 12-6)
Directions: Choose two of your classmates to have a brief conversation in front of the class,
and decide upon a topic for them (what they did last night, what they are doing right now,
sports, music, books, etc.). Give them a few minutes to practice their conversation. Then,
while they are speaking, take notes so that you can write their exact conversation. Use
quoted speech in your written report. Be sure to start a new paragraph each time the
speaker changes.

EXERCISE 20. Activity: quoted speech. (Chart 12-6)

Directions: Write fables using quoted speech.
1. In fables, animals have the power of speech. Discuss what is happening in the
illustrations of the grasshopper and the ants. Then write a fable based on the
illustrations. Use quoted speech in your fable.

2. Write a fable that is well known in your country. Use quoted speech.

Noun Clauses 253

 QUOTED SPEECH REPORTED SPEECH Reported speech refers to using a
(a) "I watch T V every day." + She said she watchedTV every day. noun clause to report what
(b) "I am watchingTV." -+ She said she w a s watching=. someone has said. No quotation
(c ) "I have watchedTV." + She said she h a d watched TV. marks are used.
(d) "I watchedTV." + She said she had watchedTV. If the reporting verb (the main
(e) "I had wacchedTV." -t She said she had watchedTV. verb of the sentence, e.g., said) is
(f) "I will watch TV." + She said she would watch TV. simple past, the verb in the noun
(g) "I am going to watch TV."-+ She said she w a s going t o watch TV. clause will usually also be in a
(h) "I can watchTV." -> She said she could watch TV. past form, as in the examples.
(i) "I may watch TV." -+ She said she might watch TV.
(j ) "I mzut watch W . " -' She said she had to watchTV.
(k) "I have to watchrV." -) She said she had to watch TV.

( 1 ) "I should watchTV." -+ She said she should watch TV. In (I): should, ought to, and
"I ought to watchTV." + She said she ought to watchTV. might do not change to a past
"I might watchTV." + She said she might watchTV. form.
(m) Immediate reporting: Changing verbs to past forms in
-What did the teacher just say? I didn't hear him. reported speech is common in both
-He said he w a n t s us to read Chapter Six. speaking and writing. However,
( n ) Later reporting: sometimes in spoken English, no
-I didn't go to class yesterday. Did Mr. Jones make any assignments? change is made in the noun clause
-Yes. He said he wanted us to read Chapter Six. verb, especially if the speaker is
reporting something immediately
or soon after it was said.
1 ( 0 ) "The world is round." + She said the world is round. Also, sometimes the present tense
is retained even in formal English
when the reported sentence deals
with a general truth, as in (0).

( p ) "I watchTV every day." -+ She says she watchesTV every day. When the reporting verb is simple
( q ) "I watchTV every day." -+ She has said that she watchesTV every day. present, present perfect, or
( r ) "I watch TV every day." -+ She will say that she watchesTV every day. future, the noun clause verb is
not changed.

(s) " WatchTV." -* She told me to watchTV.* In reported speech, an imperative

sentence is changed to an
infinitive. Tell is used instead of
s a y as the reporting verb. See
Chart 14-7, p. 307, for other
verbs followed by an infinitive
that are used to report speech.

*NOTE: TeU is immediately followed by a (pro)noun object, but say is not: He told me he would be late. He said he would be
late. Also possible: He said to me he would be late.

EXERCISE 21. Reported speech. (Chart 12-7)

Directions: Complete the sentences by reporting the speaker's words in a noun clause. Use
past verb forms in noun clauses if appropriate.
1. Pedro said, "I will help you."
Pedro said (tho+) h e w o d A kelp we.
2. "Do you need a pen?" Annie asked.
Annie asked me if I h e e A e A e peh.

254 CHAPTER 12
3. Jennifer asked, "What do you want?"
Jennifer asked me W h d - 1 WahkeA.
4. Talal asked, "Are you hungry?"
Talal wanted to know
5. "I want a sandwich," Elena said.
Elena said
6 . "I'm going to move to Ohio," said Bruce.
Bruce informed me
7. "Did you enjoy your trip?" asked Kim.
Kim asked me
8. Oscar asked, "What are you talking about?"
Oscar asked me
9. Maria asked, "Have you seen my grammar book?"
Maria wanted to know
10. Yuko said, "I don't want to go."
Yuko said
11. Sam asked, "Where is Nadia?"
Sam wanted to know
12. "Can you help me with my report?" asked David.
David asked me
13. "I may be late," said Mike.
Mike told me
14. Felix said, "You should work harder."
Felix told me
15. Rosa said, "I have to go downtown."
Rosa said
16. "Why is the sky blue?" my young daughter often asks.
My young daughter often asks me
17. My mother asked, "Why are you tired?"
My mother wondered
18. "I will come to the meeting," said Pedro.
Pedro told me
19. Ms. Adams just asked Ms. Chang, "Will you be in class tomorrow?"
Ms. Adams wanted to know

Noun Clauses. 255

 20. "The sun rises in the east," said Mr. Clark.
Mr. Clark, an elementary school teacher, explained to his students

2 1. "Someday we'll be in contact with beings from outer space."

The scientist predicted
22. "I think I'll go to the library to study."
Joe said
23. "Does Omar know what he's doing?"
I wondered
24. "Is what I've heard true?"
I wondered
25. "Sentences with noun clauses are a little complicated."
Olga thinks

EXERCISE 22. Activity: reported speech. (Chart 12-7)

Directions: Form groups of three and choose a leader. Only the leader's book is open.
Speaker A: You are the leader. Your book is open. Whisper a question to Speaker B.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. Make sure you understand the question.
Speaker C: Your book is closed. Ask Speaker B something like "What did Speaker A want
to know/say/ask you?"
Speaker B: Begin your response with "He (She) asked me . . . ."
Example:
SPEAKER A to B (whispered): Where is your friend?
SPEAKER c to B (aloud): What did (Speaker A) want to know?
SPEAKER B to c (aloud): He (She) asked me where my friend was (ORis)

1. What time is it? 14. Did you go to a party last night?

2. Can you speak Arabic? 15. Can I use your pen?
3. Have you seen (title of a movie)? 16. (Make u p your own question.)
4. Will you be here tomorrow? Switch roles.
5. What kind of camera do you have? 17. How many people have you met in the
6. What courses are you taking? last couple of months?
7. Did you finish your assignment? 18. Where should I meet you after class?
8. (Make up your own question.) 19. Do you understand what I am saying?
Switch roles. 20. Did you go to class yesterday?
9. Have you read any good books lately? 21. Is what you said really true?
10. How do you like living here? 22. Is what you want to talk to me about
11. May I borrow your dictionary? important?
12. Where will you be tomorrow around 23. How do you know that what you said
three o'clock? is true?
13. What are you going to do during 24. (Make u p your own question.)
vacation?
EXERCISE 23. Activity: reported speech. (Chart 12-7)
Directions: With books closed, report to the class at least one question you were asked in
the previous exercise and who asked it. Use a past verb form in the noun clause.
Example: Roberto asked me if I'd read any good books lately.

-
EXERCISE 24. Reported speech: verb forms in noun clauses. (Chart 12-7)
Directions: Complete the sentences, using the information in the dialogue. Change the
verbs to a past form as appropriate.
1. Fred asked me, " C a n we still get tickets to the game?"
I said, "I've already bought them."
When Fred asked me if we ~0klA get
I 1
CAN WE
GET TICKETS TO
i k i f GAME?

tickets to the game, I told him that I

had o \ l v e d b~o h q h t them.

Mrs. White said, "Janice, you have to clean up

your room and empty the dishwasher before
you leave for the game."
Janice said, "Okay, Mom. I will."
Mrs. White told Janice that she had t.0 cleo\h kP
her room and empty the dishwasher before she C O ~leave
~ A
for the game. Janice promised her mom that she w6klA

3. I asked the ticket seller, "Is the concert going to be rescheduled?'

The ticket seller said, " I don't know, Ma'am. I just work here."
When I asked the ticket seller if the concert to be
rescheduled, she told me that she and said that she just
there.

4. I asked Boris, "Where will the next chess match take place?"
Boris replied, " I t hasn't been decided yet."
When I asked Boris place, he replied that it
yet.

5. I said to Alan, "I'm very discouraged. I don't think I'll ever speak English well."
Alan said, "Your English is getting better every day. I n another year, you'll be speaking
English with the greatest of ease."
I complained that I very discouraged. I said that I
I ever English
well. Alan told me that my English better every day. He
assured me that in another year, I English with the
greatest of ease.

Noun Clauses 257

 6. A person in the audience asked the speaker, "Are the necessary means to increase the
world's food supply presently available?"
The agronomy professor said, "It might be possible to grow 50 percent of the world's food in
underwater cultivation if we can develop inexpensive methods."

A person in the audience asked the agronomy professor if the necessary means to
increase the world's food supply presently available. The
professor stated that it possible to grow 50 percent of the
world's food under water if we inexpensive methods.

EXERCISE 25. Reported speech. (Chart 12-7)

Directions: Change the quoted speech to reported speech. Study the example carefully and
use the same pattern: said that . . . and that O R said that . . . but that.
1. "My father is a businessman. My mother is an engineer."
He said that his Fathev w a s o\ bhsihesswah o\hA +he+ his wothev
wo\~ ehgiheev.
2. "I'm excited about my new job. I've found a nice apartment."
I got a letter from my sister yesterday. She said

3. "Your Uncle Harry is in the hospital. Your Aunt Sally is very worried about him."
The last time my mother wrote to me, she said

4. "I expect you to be in class every day. Unexcused absences may affect your grades."
Our sociology professor said

5. "Highway 66 will be closed for two months. Commuters should seek alternate routes."
The newspaper said

6. "I'm getting good grades, but I have difficulty understanding lectures."

My brother is a junior at a state university. In his last letter, he wrote

7. "Every obstacle is a steppingstone to success. You should view problems in your life as
opportunities to prove yourself."
My father often told me

258 CHAPTER 12
 8. "I'll come to the meeting, but I can't stay for more than an hour."
Julia told me

EXERCISE 26. Activity: reported speech. (charts 12-1 -+ 12-7)

Directions: Work in groups or as a class.
Speaker A: Ask a question on the given topic-whatever comes into your mind. Use a
question word (when, how, where, what, why, etc.).
Speaker B: Answer the question in a complete sentence.
Speaker C: Report what Speaker A and Speaker B said.
Example: tonight
SPEAKER A (ROSA): What are you going to do tonight?
SPEAKER B (ALI): I'm going to study.
SPEAKER c (YLTNG): Rosa asked Ali what he was going to do tonight, and Ali replied that
he was going to study.

1. tonight 5. book 9. television

2. music 6. this city 10. dinner
3. courses 7. population 11. next year
4. tomorrow 8. last year 12. vacation

El EXERCISE 27. Review: noun clauses. (Charts 12-1

Directions: Complete the sentences.
- 12-7)

1. I cannot understand why . . . . 8. What he said was that . . . .

2. One of the students remarked that . . . . 9. No one knows who . . . .
3. I was not sure whose . . . . 10. The instructor announced that . . . .
4. What . . . surprised me. 11. W h a t I w a n t t o knowiswhy.. . .
5. That she . . . surprised me. 12. What . . . is not important.
6. One of the students stated that . . . . 13. We discussed the fact that . . . .
7. I could not . . . due to the fact that . . . . 14. I wonder whether . . . .

EXERCISE 28. Activity: noun clauses. (Charts 12-1 -+ 12-7)

Directions: Read each dialogue and then write a report about it. The report should include
an accurate idea of the speakers' words, but doesn't have to use their exact words.
Example: Jack said, "I can't go to the game."
Tom said, "Oh? Why not?"
"I don't have enough money for a ticket," replied Jack.
Possible written reports of the above dialogue:
a. Jack toldTom that he couldn't go to the game because he didn't have enough
money for a ticket.
b. WhenTom asked Jack why he couldn't go to the game, Jack said he didn't have
enough money for a ticket.
c. Jack said he couldn't go to the game. When Tom asked him why not, Jack replied
that he didn't have enough money for a ticket.

Noun Clauses 259

 Write reports of the following dialogues:
1. "What are you doing?" Alex asked.
"I'm drawing a picture," I said.
2. Ann said, "Do you want to go to a movie Sunday night?"
Sue said, "I'd like to, but I have to study."

3. "How old are you, Mrs. Robinson?" the little boy asked.
Mrs. Robinson said, "It's not polite to ask people their age."

4. "Is there anything you especially want to watch on TV tonight?" my sister asked.
"Yes," I replied. "There's a show at eight that I've been waiting to see for a long
time."
"What is it?" she asked.
"It's a documentary on green sea turtles," I said.
"Why do you want to see that?"
"I'm doing a research paper on sea turtles. I think I might be able to get some good
information from the documentary. Why don't you watch it with me?"
"NO, thanks," she said. "I'm not especially interested in green sea turtles."

EXERCISE 29. Activity: noun clauses. (Charts 12-1 + 12-7)

Directions: Make up a dialogue for the two characters waiting in the supermarket line, and
then write a story about the picture. The events in the picture happened yesterday.

260 CHAPTER 12
EXERCISE 30. Error analysis: noun clauses (Charts 12-1 + 12-7)
Directions: Correct the errors.

1. Tell the taxi driver where do you want to go.

2. My roommate came into the room and asked me why aren't you in class? I said I am

waiting for a telephone call from my family.

3. It was my first day at the university, and I am on my way to my first class. I wondered

who else will be in the class. What the teacher would be like?

4. He asked me that what did I intend to do after I graduate?

5. Many of the people in the United States doesn't know much about geography. For

example, people will ask you where is Japan located.

6. What does a patient tell a doctor it is confidential.

7. What my friend and I did it was our secret. We didn't even tell our parents what did

we do.

8. The doctor asked that I felt okay. I told him that I don't feel well.

9. Is clear that the ability to use a computer it is an important skill in the modern world.

10. I asked him what kind of movies does he like, he said me, I like romantic movies.

11. Is true you almost drowned? my friend asked me. Yes, I said. I'm really glad to be

alive. It was really frightening.

12. It is a fact that I almost drowned makes me very careful about water safety whenever I

go swimming.

13. I didn't know where am I supposed to get off the bus, so I asked the driver where is

the science museum. She tell me the name of the street. She said she will tell me

when should I get off the bus.

14. My mother did not live with us. When other children asked me where was my mother,

I told them she is going to come to visit me very soon.

15. When I asked the taxi driver to drive faster he said I will drive faster if you pay me

more. At that time I didn't care how much would it cost, so I told him to go as fast as

he can.

Noun Clauses 261

 16. We looked back to see where are we and how far are we from camp. We don't know,

so we decided to turn back. We are afraid that we wander too far.

17. After the accident, I opened my eyes slowly and realize that I am still alive.

18. My country is prospering due to it is a fact that it has become a leading producer of oil.

19. Is true that one must to know english in order to study at an american university.

20. My mother told me what it was the purpose of our visit.

EXERCISE 31. Activity: noun clauses. (Charts 12-1 + 12-7)

Directions: Choose one of the following.
1. Think of a letter written in English that you have received recently. In a short
paragraph, summarize some of the news or information in this letter. (If you have not
recently received a letter written in English, invent one.) Include at least two sentences
that use the pattern said that . . . a n d that OR said that . . . but that.
2. Student A: Write a letter to a classmate (Student B). Give it to Student B.
Student B: Write a report summarizing Student A's letter.

EXERCISE 32. Activity: noun clauses. (Charts 12-1 -, 12-7)

Directions: Form small groups and discuss one (or more) of the following topics. Then
write a report of the main points made by each speaker in your group. (Do not attempt to
report every word that was spoken.)
In your report, use words such as think, believe, say, remark, and s t a t e to introduce
noun clauses. When you use think or believe, you will probably use present tenses (e.g.,
Omar thinks that money is the most important thing in life.). When you use say, remark, or
state, you will probably use past tenses (e.g., Olga s a i d that many other things were more
important than money.).
Do you agree with the given statements? Why or why not?
1. Money is the most important thing in life.
2. A woman can do any job a man can do.
3. When a person decides to get married, his or her love for the other person is the
only important consideration.
4. A world government is both desirable and necessary. Countries should simply
become the states of one nation, the Earth. In this way, wars could be eliminated
and wealth could be equally distributed.

EXERCISE 33. Activity: noun clauses. (Charts 12-1 -) 12-7)

Directions: Give a one-minute impromptu speech on any topic that comes to mind
(pollution, insects, soccer, dogs, etc.). Your classmates will take notes as you speak. Then,
in a short paragraph or orally, they will report what you said.

262 CHAPTER 12
 EXERCISE 34. Activity: noun clauses. (Charts 12-1 + 12-7)
Directions: You and your classmates are newspaper reporters at a press conference. You
will all interview your teacher or a person whom your teacher invites to class. Your
assignment is to write a newspaper article about the person whom you interviewed.
Take notes during the interview. Write down some of the important sentences so that you
can use them for quotations in your article. Ask for clarification if you do not understand
something the interviewee has said. It is important to report information accurately.
In your article, try to organize your information into related topics. For example, if you
interview your teacher:
I. General introductory information
11. Professional life
A. Present teaching duties
B. Academic duties and activities outside of teaching
C. Past teaching experience
D. Educational background
111. Personal life
A. Basic biographical information (e.g., place of birth, family background, places
of residence)
B. Spare-time activities and interests
C. Travel experiences
The above outline only suggests a possible method of organization. You must organize
your own article, depending upon the information you have gained from your interview.
When you write your report, most of your information will be presented in reported
speech; use quoted speech only for the most important or memorable sentences. When
you use quoted speech, be sure you are presenting the interviewee's exact words. If you are
simply paraphrasing what the interviewee said, do not use quotation marks.

(a) The teacher demands that we be on time. A subjunctive verb uses the simple form of a verb. It
(b) I insisted that he pay me the money. does not have present, past, or future forms; it is neither
singular nor plural. Sentences with subjunctive verbs
(c) I recommended that she not go to the concert. generally stress importance or urgency. A subjunctive verb
(d) It i s important that they be told the truth. is used in that-clauses that follow the verbs and
expressions listed below. In (a): be is a subjunctive verb;
its subject is w e . In (b): pay (not pays, not paid) is a
subjunctive verb; it is in its simple form, even though its
subject (he) is singular.
Negative: not + simple form, as in (c).
Passive: simple form of be + past participle, as in ( d ) .

(e) I suggested that she see a doctor. Should is also possible after suggest and
( f ) I suggested that she should see a doctor. recommend.*
1 COMMON VERBS AND EXPRESSIONS FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE IN A NOUN CLAUSE I
advise (that) propose (that) it is essential (that) it is critical (that)
ask (that) recommend (that) it is imperative (that) it is necessary (that)
demand (that) request (that) it is important (that) it is vital (that)
insist (that) suggest (that)
*The subjunctive is more common in American English than British English. In British English, should + simplefmm is more
usual than the subjunctive: The teacher insists char we should be on time.

Noun Clauses 263

 EXERCISE 35. Using the subjunctive in noun clauses. (Chart 12-8)
Directions: Complete the sentences. There is often more than one possible completion.
1. Mr. Adams insists that we be careful in our writing.

2. They requested that we not after midnight.

3. She demanded that I her the truth.

4. I recommended that Jane to the head of the department.

5. I suggest that everyone a letter to the governor.

6. It is essential that I you tomorrow.

7. It is important that he the director of the English program.

8. It is necessary that everyone here on time.

EXERCISE 36. Using the subjunctive in noun clauses. (Chart 12-8)

Directions: Give the correct form of the verb in parentheses. Some of the verbs are passive.
1. Her advisor recommended that she (take) five courses.

2. Roberto insisted that the new baby (name) after his grandfather.

3. The doctor recommended that she (stay) in bed for a few days.

4. The students requested that the test (postpone) ,but the

-
instructor decided against a DostDonement.
* A

5. It is essential that no one (admit)

to the room without proper identification.

6. It is critical that pollution (control)

and eventually
(eliminate)

7. It was such a beautiful day that one of the

students suggested we (have)
class outside.

8. The movie director insisted that everything

about his productions (be) authentic.

9. It is vital that no one else (know) about the secret government

operation.

10. Mrs. Wah asked that we (be) sure to lock the door behind us.

11. I requested that I (permit) to change my class.

264 CHAPTER 12
 12. It is important that you (be, not) late.

13. It is imperative that he (return) home immediately.

14. The governor proposed that a new highway (build)

15. Fumiko specifically asked that I (tell, not) anyone else about it.
She said it was important that no one else (tell) about it.

The following - e w r words give the idea of "any." Each pair of sentences in the examples has the same meaning. 1
whoever (a) Whoever wants to come is welcome.
Anyone who wants to come is welcome.
who(m)ever (b) He makes friends easily with w h o ( m ) e v e r he meets."
He makes friends easily with anyone who(m) he meets.
whatever (c) He always says whatever comes into his mind.
He always says anything that comes into his mind.
whichever (d) There are four good programs o n T V at eight o'clock. We can
watch whichever p r o g r a m (whichever o n e ) you prefer.
We can watch arty of thejbur programs that you prefer.
whenever (e) You may leave whenever you wish.
You may leave at any time that you wish.
wherever (0 She can go wherever she wants to go.
She can go anyplace that she wants to go.
however (g) The students may dress however they please.
The students may dress in any way tlzat they please.
*In (b): whomever is the object of the verb meets. In American English, whomever is rare and very formal. In
British English, whoever (nor whomever) is used as the object form: He makes- easily with whoever he meets.

EXERCISE 37. Using -EVER words. (Chart 12-9)

Directions: Complete the following by using -ever words.
1. Mustafa is free to go anyplace he wishes. He can go whevevev he wants.

2. Mustafa is free to go anytime he wishes. H e can go he wants.

3. I don't know what you should do about that problem. Do

seems best to you.

4. There are five flights to Chicago every day. I don't care which one we take. We can
take one fits in best with your schedule.

5. I want you to be honest. I hope you feel free to say is on your

mind.

6. leads a life full of love and happiness is rich.

Noun Clauses 265

 7 . No one can tell him what to do. He does he wants.

8. If you want to rearrange the furniture, go ahead. You can rearrange it

you want. I don't care one way or the other.

9. Those children are wild! I feel sorry for , has to be their

babysitter.

10. I have a car. I can take you you want to go.

11. Scott likes to tell people about his problems. He will talk to will
listen to him. But he bores he talks to.

12. To Ellen, the end justifies the means. She will do she has to do
in order to accomplish her objective.

13. I have four. Take one pleases you most.

14. My wife and I are going to ride our bicycles across the country. We'll ride for six to
seven hours every day, then stop for the night we happen to be.

15. Irene does she wants to do, goes she wants

to go, gets up she wants to get up, makes friends with
she meets, and dresses she pleases.