Noun clauses

The point

A clause can be the object of a verb. After know, wonder, or ask, the word order stays subject then verb. I know that she left. I do not know where she is. Do not keep question order inside the clause.

Form and use

A noun clause fills a noun slot, as subject or object. A that-clause can be the object: I know that she sent it. It can be the subject: That she sent it is clear. In speech, people often start with it: It is clear that she sent it. That still introduces the same clause.

Wh-clauses use statement order after the question word. I know where the file is. She asked what he wanted. If and whether carry a yes-no idea. I don't know if she called. I don't know whether she called. The fact that is the bridge when a noun is required. The fact that she called changed the plan.

After know, wonder, or ask, do not keep question order. The wh-word comes first, then subject, then verb. I know where is the file is wrong. I know where the file is is right. Do not add do inside that clause. She asked what did he want is wrong. She asked what he wanted is right.

You may drop that when the clause is the object: I know she sent it. Do not drop it when the clause is the subject. Whether is safer than if as a subject or after a preposition. The fact that cannot drop that. Whether she called is unclear is a sound subject. If she called is unclear is not.

Don't translate it like this

Where she is. The subject stays before is.

Short examples