Noun Clause  

Grammar Present Subjunctive The Noun Clause
Overview

A noun clause is one which functions as a noun, normally as the direct object or the subject of a verb. It is usually introduced by the conjunction que (that). The infinitive is normally used when there is no change in subject.

Noun Clause - indicative

Te digo que en Madrid hace mucho frío esta época del año.
I tell you that it is cold in Madrid this time of the year.

The subjunctive mood is used for the verb in a dependent noun clause when the subject of the governing verb is different from the subject of the dependent clause and the governing verb is one of the following:

Influence or willing - want, prefer, desire, insist, request, etc.

Emotion - fear, be angry, be sad, be happy, be surprised, etc.

Doubt or negation - be uncertain, be unsure, doubt, deny, etc.

Impersonal expression of influence, emotion, doubt, probability, possibility, necessity, or a subjective reaction on the part of the speaker - It's urgent / bad, wonderful / uncertain / possible / probable / unlikely, etc.

Noun Clause - subjunctive

Quiero que vengas conmigo al concierto.
I want you to come with me to the concert.

Subject Subordinate Clauses

Es verdad que no he estudiado mucho. - indicative
It’s true that I haven’t studied much.

Es mejor que te vayas. - subjunctive
It’s better if you leave.

Megusta que estudies mucho para el examen. - subjunctive
I like that you study a lot for the exam.

Some clauses above function as nouns. Here is an example of replacing them with a noun:

Te digo hola.
I say hello to you.

Quiero pan.
I want bread.

Es verdad eso.
That is true. (In English we must place the subject first.)

Es mejor el vino blanco.
White wine is better. (In English we must place the subject first.)

Me gusta el vino blanco.
White wine pleases me. (In English we must place the subject first.)

Using a direct object pronoun in the first two cases:

Te lo digo.
I say it to you.

Lo quiero.
I want it.

In the last three, they would need subject pronouns:

Es verdad él.
It/he is true.

Es mejor él.
It/he is better. (In English we must place the subject first.)

Megusta él.
It/he pleases me. (In English we must place the subject first.)


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