How can you tell if the noun clause is objective or subjective?

Here's how to distinguish between subjective and objective noun clauses:

Subjective Noun Clauses

* Function: Act as the subject of the main verb in the sentence.

* Placement: Usually appear at the beginning of the sentence.

* Examples:

* What she said surprised everyone. (The noun clause "what she said" is the subject of the verb "surprised")

* How he escaped remains a mystery. (The noun clause "how he escaped" is the subject of the verb "remains")

Objective Noun Clauses

* Function: Act as the object of a verb or preposition.

* Placement: Typically follow the verb or preposition they are the object of.

* Examples:

* I know why he left. (The noun clause "why he left" is the object of the verb "know")

* He is curious about what happened next. (The noun clause "what happened next" is the object of the preposition "about")

Here's a simple way to figure it out:

1. Identify the main verb in the sentence.

2. Ask yourself:

* "Who or what?" If the noun clause answers this question, it's the subject (subjective).

* "What or whom?" If the noun clause answers this question, it's the object (objective).

Example:

* "I know why he left."

* Main verb: "know"

* Question: "What do I know?"

* Answer: "why he left" (the noun clause is the object of the verb "know")

Key takeaway: The function of the noun clause (subject or object) determines whether it's subjective or objective.