Explanation
Exercises
Noun Clauses & Embedded Questions

Lesson focus

Wh-clauses, whether-clauses, embedded question order, fused relatives and complex nominal clauses

Advanced aim: Package propositions and questions as noun clauses while controlling embedded word order and fused-relative meanings.

What-clause as subject

A what-clause can function as a noun phrase and serve as the subject of a sentence.

  • Example: What matters most is whether the evidence can be independently verified.
  • In another context: What matters most is whether the supporting material can be independently verified.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Whether after preposition

Use whether rather than if after a preposition.

  • Example: The debate focused on whether the policy was financially sustainable.
  • In another context: The debate focused on whether the disclosure procedure was financially sustainable.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Whether + to-infinitive

Whether can be followed by a to-infinitive; if cannot normally be used this way.

  • Example: We haven't decided whether to renew the contract.
  • In another context: We haven't decided whether to renew the service agreement.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Embedded question order

Use statement word order inside embedded questions, not direct-question inversion.

  • Example: Could you explain why the figures have changed so dramatically?
  • In another context: Could you explain why the survey results have changed so dramatically?

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Do-support removed

Embedded questions do not use do/does/did inversion.

  • Example: I wonder what caused the sudden drop in demand.
  • In another context: Alternative case study: I wonder what caused the sudden drop in demand.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Whoever as noun clause

Whoever can introduce a noun clause meaning anyone who.

  • Example: Whoever takes over the project will inherit several unresolved issues.
  • In another context: Whoever takes over the renovation programme will inherit several unresolved issues.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Whatever as noun clause

Whatever can mean anything that or no matter what.

  • Example: Whatever you decide, make sure the reasoning is documented.
  • In another context: Separate scenario: Whatever you decide, make sure the reasoning is documented.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

The fact that

The fact that turns a proposition into a noun phrase that can be discussed or evaluated.

  • Example: The fact that costs have risen does not necessarily mean the plan should be abandoned.
  • In another context: Follow-up case: The fact that costs have risen does not necessarily mean the plan should be abandoned.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

How + adjective

How + adjective/adverb can introduce an embedded exclamative or degree clause.

  • Example: The review shows how difficult it is to measure long-term impact.
  • In another context: The internal evaluation shows how difficult it is to measure long-term impact.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

Whether or not clause

Whether or not can introduce a noun clause expressing two alternatives.

  • Example: Whether or not the merger proceeds remains uncertain.
  • In another context: Regional example: Whether or not the merger proceeds remains uncertain.

C1 focus: Choose this form for the intended meaning and discourse effect; nearby alternatives may be grammatical but can change viewpoint, scope, time reference or register.

C1 takeaway

Do not ask only “Which form is grammatically possible?” Ask what the speaker is presenting as background or foreground, completed or ongoing, certain or tentative, generic or specific, neutral or emphatic. Advanced grammar is the control of those choices.

Exercises:
1
2
3

Wh-clauses, whether-clauses, embedded question order, fused relatives and complex nominal clauses

Practice 1 · Controlled production

Complete each gap using the stated cue. Read the whole context; some items accept more than one form.

1
Use WHAT: The crucial issue is whether the figures can be reproduced.
is whether the figures can be reproduced. Include MATTERS MOST.
2
Supply the complementiser after a preposition:
The discussion centred on the border should reopen.
3
Use WHETHER and RENEW:
We have not decided the subscription.
4
Embed the question “Why has the signal weakened?”:
Could you explain ?
5
Embed neutrally “What caused the vibration?”:
I wonder .
6
Use WHOEVER: Anyone who takes the night shift will receive an allowance.
will receive an allowance.
7
Use WHATEVER: No matter what you decide, retain the original receipt.
, retain the original receipt.
8
Use THE FACT THAT: Costs rose; this does not prove mismanagement.
costs rose does not prove mismanagement.
9
Embed the degree clause:
The experiment revealed to isolate the variable. Use HOW / DIFFICULT / IT / WAS.
10
Use WHETHER OR NOT in a subject clause:
the ferry resumes remains uncertain.

Wh-clauses, whether-clauses, embedded question order, fused relatives and complex nominal clauses

Practice 2 · Contextual choice

Choose the option that best fits the stated meaning, viewpoint or register.

1
Choose neutral embedded order:
Please tell me .
2
Follow a preposition with an alternative question:
Everything depends on funding is renewed.
3
Use an infinitival alternative question:
She is weighing up .
4
Remove direct-question inversion:
I cannot understand .
5
Use a neutral subject question inside a clause:
Nobody knows .
6
Make the embedded pronoun subject of arrives:
should collect the tickets.
7
Express unrestricted choice of action:
you decide, I will support you.
8
Package a proposition in a noun phrase:
the building is old does not make it unsafe.
9
Report degree with normal embedded order:
The survey showed .
10
Use an interrogative clause as subject:
remains undecided.

Wh-clauses, whether-clauses, embedded question order, fused relatives and complex nominal clauses

Practice 3 · C1 challenge

Choose the interpretation or analysis that best fits the example.

1
“Do you know where he is?” Why is “where is he” inappropriate inside it neutrally?
2
“What did cause the delay?” Can did ever remain in “I wonder what did cause the delay”?
3
“Whether to stay” is standard; why is “if to stay” normally excluded?
4
“The question is whether she knew.” Does this assert her knowledge?
5
“What she said surprised me.” What is the whole subject?
6
“Whoever wins will inherit the problem.” What does whoever leave unspecified?
7
“Whatever happens, keep the doors closed.” What remains constant?
8
“The fact that she resigned” is not “the fact which she resigned.” Why?
9
“I was amazed at how quickly it grew.” Is how quickly asking the listener a direct question?
10
“We haven't decided whether or not to sell.” What does or not make explicit?