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Nominal Clauses – Quiz 1
Nominal Clauses Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and understand nominal clauses in sentences, including their functions as subjects or direct objects. It also assesses knowledge of different types of nominal clauses such as infinitive phrases and gerund phrases, and the correct use of introductory words.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
This sentence contains noun clause. Reduce the noun clause to infinitive phrase. He offered that he would clean the car for me.
A) He offered to help cleaning the car for me.
B) He offered to help clean the car for me.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) He offered to help clean the car for me.
This option accurately reduces the noun clause "that he would clean the car for me" into an infinitive phrase "to help clean the car for me." The verb in the original clause ("clean") is changed to its base form ("clean"), and "would" is removed, making it a more direct and concise expression.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It uses "helping," which changes the meaning from offering an action (cleaning) to providing assistance in general.
Option B:
Correct. Uses "to clean" as an infinitive phrase, maintaining the original meaning of the sentence.
2.
I tell visitors it's like we're about to enter another planet.
A) Direct object.
B) Subject.
C) Extraposed subject.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I tell visitors it's like we're about to enter another planet." contains a nominal clause introduced by the relative pronoun "it". The nominal clause functions as the direct object of the verb "tell". Therefore, the correct answer is A) Direct object.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Nominal clauses can function as direct objects in sentences.
Option B:
Incorrect. The clause does not act as the subject of any verb or sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Extraposed subjects are introduced by "that" and placed after the main clause, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Incorrect. The nominal clause is clearly a direct object in this context.
3.
Identify the type of complement clause. "It's just, my boy, this goofy little stinker, he loves all things elephant. He wants to be one when he grows up."
A) Noun complement.
B) Adjective complement.
C) Verb complement.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The complement clause "he loves all things elephant" in the sentence is a verb complement because it provides additional information about the subject "he." Specifically, it describes what he does (loves) and thus functions as a verb complement to the main predicate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun complement - Incorrect. The clause does not modify or describe a noun.
Option B:
Adjective complement - Incorrect. The clause is not describing an adjective but rather providing information about the subject's action.
Option C:
Verb complement - Correct. The clause complements the main verb by specifying what he loves.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect. Option C is correct.
4.
This sentence contains noun clause. Reduce the noun clause to gerund phrase. She admitted that she broke the glass.
A) She admitted breaking the glass.
B) She admitted to breaking the glass.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The original sentence "She admitted that she broke the glass" contains a noun clause introduced by "that." To reduce this noun clause to a gerund phrase, we replace "that she broke the glass" with its gerund form "breaking the glass." This maintains the meaning while simplifying the structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It uses the gerund "breaking" directly after "admitted," making it more concise.
Option B:
Incorrect. While this option is grammatically correct, it adds unnecessary words ("to") that are not required when using a gerund in such constructions.
5.
Can you guess ..... I want?
A) What.
B) When.
C) How.
D) That.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Nominal clauses are introduced by words like "what" and function as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. In this case, "Can you guess what I want?" is a question where "what I want" acts as the direct object of the verb "guess." Therefore, option A) What is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Introduces a nominal clause functioning as the direct object.
Option B:
Incorrect. "When" does not introduce a nominal clause in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "How" introduces an adverbial clause, not a nominal one.
Option D:
Incorrect. "That" can introduce a nominal clause but is less common and not as fitting here compared to "what."
6.
I often wonder ..... he's getting on.
A) How.
B) Which.
C) That.
D) What.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I often wonder..... he's getting on." is an example of a nominal clause, which functions as the object of the verb "wonder". In this context, "how" correctly introduces the nominal clause because it asks about the manner in which something is happening. The other options do not fit grammatically or semantically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "How" introduces a nominal clause asking about the manner of an action.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Which" would be used to introduce a choice among alternatives, not for expressing manner.
Option C:
Incorrect. "That" is typically used with declarative clauses, not for asking about manner or method.
Option D:
Incorrect. "What" introduces content questions, not manner questions.
7.
The police are going to track down and find ..... was responsible for this crime.
A) Whoever.
B) When.
C) Where.
D) What.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Nominal clauses are introduced by words like 'whoever', 'whatever', 'wherever', etc., to refer to people, things, places, or ideas. In this sentence, the clause "was responsible for this crime" is a nominal clause that needs to be introduced by a word that can replace a noun in the sentence. "Whoever" fits perfectly as it refers to the person responsible.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Whoever" introduces the nominal clause and correctly identifies the subject of responsibility.
Option B:
Incorrect. "When" is a time word, not suitable for introducing a nominal clause about people or things.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Where" is a place word, not appropriate for identifying the person responsible.
Option D:
Incorrect. "What" is used to introduce content clauses, not nominal clauses referring to people or things.
8.
This sentence contains reduced noun clause. Indicate if the sentence is correct or incorrect. Lisamentioned going to the beach after lunch.
A) Correct.
B) Incorrect.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Lisamentioned going to the beach after lunch" contains a reduced noun clause, which is grammatically correct in this context. A reduced relative clause can be used here where the full form would be "Lisamentioned that she was going to the beach after lunch." The reduction of "that" makes it more concise and natural-sounding.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence uses a reduced relative clause appropriately.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option is not applicable as the sentence structure is correct for this context.
9.
How storms are measured is unknown to most lay people.
A) Subject.
B) Direct object.
C) Complement of a noun.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "How storms are measured is unknown to most lay people" contains a nominal clause introduced by the interrogative word "how." This clause functions as the subject of the main clause, making Option A correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject. Correct.
Option B:
Direct object. Incorrect; there is no direct object in this sentence.
Option C:
Complement of a noun. Incorrect; the clause does not complement any noun.
Option D:
None of above. Incorrect; Option A is correct.
10.
What those kids need ..... someone to teach them good table manners.
A) Is.
B) Has.
C) Have.
D) Are.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The nominal clause "What those kids need" is functioning as the subject of the sentence, so it should be followed by a verb that agrees with this singular subject. The correct form here is "is," making option A correct because it matches the singular nature of the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is - Correct as it agrees with the singular subject.
Option B:
Has - Incorrect, does not agree with singular subject and is intransitive.
Option C:
Have - Incorrect, does not agree with singular subject.
Option D:
Are - Incorrect, does not agree with singular subject.
11.
Identify the type of complement clause. "I hate to disagree with you, sir, but those aren't onions."
A) Noun complement.
B) Adjective complement.
C) Verb complement.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The complement clause "to disagree with you, sir" in the sentence "I hate to disagree with you, sir, but those aren't onions" functions as a verb complement. It provides additional information about the action of hating (verb) by specifying what the speaker hates doing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun complement - Incorrect; noun complements modify or describe nouns, not verbs.
Option B:
Adjective complement - Incorrect; adjective complements modify or describe adjectives, not verbs.
Option C:
Verb complement - Correct; it provides additional information about the verb "hate" by specifying what the speaker hates doing.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect; option C is correct.
12.
Scientists cannot say whether climate change is increasing the number of hurricanes.
A) Direct object.
B) Complement of a noun.
C) Adjectival complement.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Scientists cannot say whether climate change is increasing the number of hurricanes." contains a nominal clause introduced by "whether". This clause functions as the complement of the noun phrase "cannot say", which means it provides additional information about what scientists cannot say. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Direct object.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The nominal clause serves as a direct object of the verb "say".
Option B:
Incorrect. Complement of a noun refers to additional information about the noun, which is what the nominal clause provides here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Adjectival complement modifies a noun but does not fit this context as well as direct object does.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence clearly fits into one of the given options, making "None of above" incorrect.
13.
Identify the type of complement clause. "Mayor Lionheart, you have the right to remain silent."
A) Noun complement.
B) Adjective complement.
C) Verb complement.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Mayor Lionheart, you have the right to remain silent." contains a nominal clause introduced by the verb "have" and functioning as a noun complement. This type of clause answers the question "What do you have?" in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The clause "the right to remain silent" functions as a noun complement, providing additional information about what the subject has.
Option B:
Incorrect. An adjective complement would modify a noun or pronoun directly and is not present here.
Option C:
Incorrect. A verb complement typically follows linking verbs like "be" or "seem," which are not present in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. The clause clearly fits the definition of a noun complement.
14.
The historian's prediction turned out to be true.
A) What say the historian.
B) What predicted the historian.
C) What predicting historian said.
D) What the historian predicted.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D, "What the historian predicted," is correct because it accurately represents a nominal clause where "what" introduces the clause and functions as the subject of the sentence. The clause "the historian predicted" acts as a noun phrase describing what was true.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, does not properly introduce the clause.
Option B:
Incorrect, lacks proper subject-verb agreement and clarity.
Option C:
Incorrect, misplaces the verb "predicting" which should be in its base form as a noun.
Option D:
Correct, properly forms a nominal clause with "what" introducing the clause about the historian's prediction.
15.
This is an example of:It's a good idea to wear dress clothes for an interview.
A) Nominal infinitive.
B) Nominal that clause.
C) Nominal-ing clause.
D) Nominal question-clause.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "It's a good idea to wear dress clothes for an interview" is an example of a nominal infinitive clause. An infinitive is a verb form that begins with "to" and functions as a noun in this sentence, serving as the subject complement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The phrase acts as a noun (nominal) and uses an infinitive ("to wear").
Option B:
Incorrect. A nominal that clause would contain "that" followed by a verb, e.g., "It's important that you arrive on time."
Option C:
Incorrect. An -ing clause uses the present or past participle form of the verb and functions as an adjective or noun, e.g., "Running is good exercise."
Option D:
Incorrect. A nominal question-clause would contain a wh-word followed by "that," e.g., "What you need to do next is important."
16.
This is an example of:Wearing a uniform can help people feel part of the team.
A) Nominal question-clause.
B) Nominal-ing clause.
C) Nominal infinitive.
D) Nominal that clause.
Show Answer
Explanations:
This sentence is an example of a nominal-ing clause because it uses the present participle "Wearing" as the subject, which functions as a noun phrase (nominal) in the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Nominal question-clause - Incorrect. This option refers to clauses introduced by 'that' or 'whether', asking a question.
Option B:
Nominal-ing clause - Correct. The sentence uses "Wearing" as the subject, functioning as a noun phrase (nominal).
Option C:
Nominal infinitive - Incorrect. This option refers to clauses introduced by 'to' + verb.
Option D:
Nominal that clause - Incorrect. This option typically refers to clauses introduced by 'that', which are not present in the given sentence.
17.
Nominal clauses are independent clauses.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Nominal clauses are not independent clauses; they function as a single noun within a sentence, often serving as the subject, object, or complement of another clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
False. Nominal clauses do not stand alone as complete thoughts but rather act as nouns in sentences.
Option B:
True. This is incorrect; nominal clauses are dependent on other parts of the sentence to form a complete thought.
18.
This sentence contains noun clause. Reduce the noun clause to infinitive phrase. Please inform where we will have the meeting.
A) Please inform us where to have the meeting.
B) Please inform us where having the meeting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: "Please inform us where to have the meeting." This sentence uses a nominal clause, which has been reduced to an infinitive phrase "where to have" in this option. The infinitive phrase serves as the object of the verb "inform."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly transforms the noun clause into an infinitive phrase "where to have."
Option B:
Incorrectly uses "having" which is a gerund, not an infinitive. Gerunds do not function as objects of verbs like "inform."
19.
This sentence contains reduced noun clause. Indicate if the sentence is correct or incorrect. My doctor recommends eating less fat and salt.
A) Correct.
B) Incorrect.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My doctor recommends eating less fat and salt" contains a reduced noun clause introduced by the verb "recommends." In this case, "eating less fat and salt" functions as the object of the verb "recommends," which is a nominal clause. This structure is grammatically correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence uses a reduced noun clause appropriately.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does not contain an improper use of a nominal clause.
20.
The fact you can get all of this beautiful scenery so close to Perth is remarkable.
A) Subject.
B) Complement of a noun.
C) Direct object.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "all of this beautiful scenery" functions as a complement to the noun "fact." In nominal clauses, complements provide additional information about the subject or object they modify. Here, it provides more detail about the fact being discussed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject - Incorrect. The phrase is not the main subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Complement of a noun - Correct. It modifies and elaborates on "fact."
Option C:
Direct object - Incorrect. There is no direct action being performed by the verb towards this phrase.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect. The correct option is identified as B.
21.
This sentence contains reduced noun clause. Indicate if the sentence is correct or incorrect. Jenny didn't know what to do about her expired driver's license.
A) Incorrect.
B) Correct.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Jenny didn't know what to do about her expired driver's license" contains a reduced noun clause introduced by "what." This clause functions as the direct object of the verb "didn't know." The clause is considered reduced because it omits the pronoun "to be," which is typical in such constructions. Therefore, the sentence is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect.
Option B:
Correct.
22.
Which of these sentences does NOT have a nominal clause?
A) I'm not someone who gets distracted easily.
B) Why you asked her that is still hard to understand.
C) She always does whatever she wants.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Nominal clauses are introduced by words like 'that', 'what', 'who', etc., and function as nouns within a sentence. In option A, "I'm not someone who gets distracted easily" contains a nominal clause: "someone who gets distracted easily". This clause functions as the object of the preposition "someone".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Contains a nominal clause.
Option B:
Incorrect. Does not contain a nominal clause; it is an interrogative clause introduced by 'why'.
Option C:
Incorrect. Does not contain a nominal clause; "whatever" here is an adverb modifying the verb "does".
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A does have a nominal clause, so this option is incorrect.
23.
This sentence contains noun clause. Reduce the noun clause to infinitive phrase. She didn't know where she should go or what she should do.
A) She didn't know where to go or to do.
B) She didn't know where to going or to doing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: "She didn't know where to go or to do." This option accurately converts the noun clauses "where she should go" and "what she should do" into infinitive phrases "to go" and "to do," which are grammatically appropriate for reducing nominal clauses.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Converts the noun clauses to infinitives properly.
Option B:
Incorrect. The verbs "going" and "doing" should be in their base form (to go, to do) when used as infinitives.
24.
I'll help ..... is in trouble.
A) What.
B) Who.
C) Why.
D) Whatever.
E) Whoever.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I'll help whoever is in trouble." contains a nominal clause introduced by the relative pronoun "whoever". A nominal clause functions as a noun and provides information about who can be helped. In this context, "whoever" correctly introduces the clause that specifies the subject of assistance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
What - Incorrect; does not introduce a person.
Option B:
Who - Incorrect; singular form, while plural is needed here.
Option C:
Why - Incorrect; introduces a reason, not a person.
Option D:
Whatever - Incorrect; does not introduce a specific person.
Option E:
Whoever - Correct; introduces the nominal clause specifying who can be helped.
25.
This sentence contains reduced noun clause. Indicate if the sentence is correct or incorrect. He doesn't know how to solve his problem.
A) Incorrect.
B) Correct.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He doesn't know how to solve his problem." contains a reduced noun clause introduced by the interrogative word "how". This noun clause functions as the direct object of the verb "knows". In this case, it is correct because the clause provides specific information about what he does not know.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence correctly uses a reduced noun clause.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence accurately employs a reduced noun clause as an object complement.
26.
The news broadcast confirmed the people's fears.
A) What everyone was worried about.
B) What concern was everyone.
C) When was everyone what convern.
D) What feared was everyone.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) What everyone was worried about.
This option correctly identifies a nominal clause, which functions as the subject of the sentence. A nominal clause begins with a relative pronoun (in this case, "what") and acts like a noun phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses a nominal clause as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect structure; does not form a proper clause.
Option C:
Grammatically incorrect and does not make sense in context.
Option D:
Incorrect structure; "feared" is used as an adjective, which is not appropriate here.
27.
This is an example of:I explained that she would have to buy a new outfit.
A) Nominal that clause.
B) Nominal infinitive.
C) Nominal question-clause.
D) Nominal-ing clause.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "This is an example of: I explained that she would have to buy a new outfit." contains a nominal clause introduced by the relative pronoun "that". This clause functions as the subject complement, providing additional information about "this". Nominal clauses are clauses that function as nouns and can be used in various parts of speech like subjects or objects.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The clause "I explained that she would have to buy a new outfit" is a nominal that-clause.
Option B:
Incorrect. Nominal infinitive clauses begin with an infinitive verb (e.g., "to do").
Option C:
Incorrect. Nominal question-clauses are introduced by interrogative words and end in a question mark, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Incorrect. Nominal -ing clauses begin with a present or past participle (e.g., "running", "having run").
28.
This sentence contains noun clause. Reduce the noun clause to gerund phrase. I suggested that we make the decision faster.
A) I suggested to making the decision faster.
B) I suggested making the decision faster.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B correctly reduces the noun clause "that we make the decision faster" to a gerund phrase "making the decision faster." This transformation maintains the original meaning while simplifying the sentence structure, which is a common practice in formal writing and speech.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The infinitive form "to making" is grammatically incorrect.
Option B:
Correct. Uses the gerund "making" to replace the noun clause, preserving the sentence's meaning and improving its flow.
29.
Nominal clauses can be the subject or the object of a sentence
Show Answer
Explanations:
Nominal clauses, also known as content clauses, can indeed function as the subject or object of a sentence. They are introduced by words like "that," "whether," and "if" and act as nouns within the sentence structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Nominal clauses can be subjects (e.g., "What he said is true.") or objects (e.g., "I wonder what he will do.").
Option B:
Incorrect. This would imply that nominal clauses cannot serve as the subject or object, which is false.
30.
Identify the type of complement clause. "Former mayor, Dawn Bellwether is behind bars today, guilty of masterminding the savage attacks that have plagued Zootopia of late."
A) Noun complement.
B) Adjective complement.
C) Verb complement.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The complement clause "guilty of masterminding the savage attacks that have plagued Zootopia of late" functions as an adjective modifying "Dawn Bellwether." It provides additional descriptive information about her, similar to how adjectives describe nouns. Therefore, it is correctly identified as an adjective complement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Noun complement - Incorrect because the clause does not directly modify a noun but rather describes the subject "Dawn Bellwether."
Option B:
Adjective complement - Correct, as it modifies and provides more information about the subject.
Option C:
Verb complement - Incorrect because the clause is not acting as a complement to a verb but rather describing the subject.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect since Option B is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nominal clauses?
Nominal clauses are groups of words that function as nouns within a sentence, often introduced by words like "that" or "whether." They can act as subjects or objects in sentences.
Can nominal clauses be used as direct objects?
Yes, nominal clauses can serve as direct objects in a sentence. For example, "I know that she will come." Here, the nominal clause "that she will come" is the direct object of the verb "know."
How do nominal clauses differ from infinitive clauses?
Nominal clauses are introduced by words like "that" or "whether," while infinitive clauses begin with the word "to." Both can function similarly in sentences, but they have different structures and introductions.
What is a nominal that-clause?
A nominal that-clause is a type of nominal clause introduced by the word "that." It often acts as a subject or object in sentences and can be used to provide information or express opinions.
Can nominal clauses include -ing forms?
Yes, nominal clauses can include -ing forms. These are known as nominal -ing clauses and can function similarly to other nominal clauses, providing information or acting as sentence elements.