Noun Clauses
A noun clause is a clause that acts as a noun. It can function as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
Introductory Words
Introductory words like "that," "whether," "if," and "how" often introduce noun clauses.
Adverbial Function
While noun clauses themselves don't usually function as adverbs, the introductory word can sometimes act as an adverb modifying the entire noun clause. This usually happens when the introductory word expresses a relationship of time, place, manner, or degree.
Example:
* "After you finish your homework," *we can go to the park.*
In this example, "after" is the introductory word and acts as an adverb modifying the noun clause "you finish your homework." It tells us when we can go to the park.
Key Points:
* Noun clause: The entire phrase "you finish your homework" is the noun clause.
* Adverb: "After" is the adverb modifying the entire noun clause.
* Relationship: "After" expresses a relationship of time.
So, the sentence in which the introductory word to a noun clause functions as an adverb is:
*"After you finish your homework," we can go to the park.*