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A noun clause is a clause that functions as a noun. However, for many, that
definition is too generic. A multi-word noun will often contain another type
of clause, usually an adjective clause, which provides the verb required for a
clause. In the examples below, the multi-word nouns are shaded, and
internal clauses are in bold.
I've met the man who won the lottery.
(In this example, who won the lottery is an adjective clause. Without it, the
multi-word noun wouldn't be a clause at all. It would be a phrase (e.g., the
lottery-winning man). There is a debate over whether an integral clause
makes the multi-word noun a clause.)
Here is another example: A cynic is a man who looks around for a
coffin when he smells flowers. (H L Mencken, 1880-1956)
(In this example, who looks around for a coffin is an adjective
clause modified by when he smells flowers (an adverbial clause). They are
both part of the multi-word noun (shaded text), but whether or not they
make it a noun clause appears to be up for debate.)
Here is another example:
A cynic is a man who looks around for a coffin
when he smells flowers.
In this example, who looks around for a coffin is
an adjective clause modified by when he smells
flowers (an adverbial clause).
They are both part of the multi-word noun (shaded
text), but whether or not they make it a noun clause
appears to be up for debate.
Adjective Clause