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Intermediate English Grammar (B1) Lesson 17 of 25

Noun Clause

Read and listen to four conversations using the grammar.

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Conversation 1 - What

Woman: So, how is the new software development project going?
Man: Good, from what I've been seeing, we should be finished within this month.
Woman: OK, what I really need, at this point, is a basic version to show clients by next week. By any chance, is that possible?
Man: Well, I will see what I can do, but no promises.
Woman: Really, you think you can do it?
Man: It won't be perfect, but I can get you a basic version of the software for promotional purposes.
Woman: Great. That's what I was hoping for.

Conversation 2 - Where

Woman: How is the film going?
Man: Good, but we need more money to film a few scenes.
Woman: Well, from where I'm standing, we can't give you anymore money. You are already over-budget.
Man: Yes, but we need to film in a new location. Where we are filming now just doesn't cut it.
Woman: I don't like where you're going with this. This is costing too much money.
Man: Look, I understand, but this next scene is where the movie really comes together. We really need it.
Woman: OK. I'll see what I can do, but this is the last time. Don't ask for more.
Man: Thank you. I really appreciate this.

Conversation 3 - How

Woman: And this is how we can turn sales into profits! And that is my presentation. Thank you for coming.
Man: That was a great presentation. I loved how you explained the data.
Woman: Oh, thank you. You never know how it will come across to the audience.
Man: Well, you deserve a lot of credit. Your style is very engaging, especially how you talk and how you use humor to make a point.
Woman: Well, thank you again. I am glad that it was well-received.
Man: Also, how you came up with the data was really interesting. Do you think you could discuss it over a cup of coffee?
Woman: I'd love to. I think there is a cafe downstairs.

Conversation 4 - Who

Man: Who is our daughter talking to?
Woman: I am not sure who he is. She mentioned something about a new friend from work.
Man: Well, I don't like who she hangs out with.
Woman: Who she hangs out with is none of your business. She is 25 after all.
Man: Well, you know the old saying: it's not what you know but who you know!
Woman: Well, she should have the right to see whoever she likes.
Man: I know. I'm just being a dad.
Woman: And I'm just being a mom.
Man: Well, who you hang out with says a lot about you.

Noun Clause

Point 1: A noun clause with a WH-word is just a simplified adjective clause.

The thing that = what

  • I like the clothes that you are wearing
  • I live what you are wearing.

Where = the place where

  • This is the place where I work.
  • This is where I work.

Who = the person that

  • This is the person that I was talking about.
  • This is who I was talking about.

When = the time when

  • Talk about the time when you were young.
  • Talk about when you were young.

Why = the reason that

  • I don’t know the reason that he does that.
  • I don’t know why he does that.

How = the way that

  • I like the way that you dress.
  • I like how you dress.
Point 2: A noun clause can act as the object of a sentence.
  1. I like what you are wearing.
  2. This is who I was talking about.
  3. I don’t know where you are going with this.
  4. Please explain why you did this.
Point 3: The noun clause can act as the complement object.
  1. This is what I know.
  2. This is where I live.
  3. More money is what you need.
  4. That man is who I was talking about.
Point 4: A noun clause can take the shape of the subject.
  1. What you eat says a lot about your health.
  2. Where you work depends on your education level.
  3. Who you know does not matter.
  4. Why he acts that way is a mystery.
Point 5: A noun clause can go after a preposition.
  1. From what I know, he should be here.
  2. It depends on how much money you have.
  3. Let’s talk about why most people believe in miracles.
  4. I am tired of how he acts.
Answer these questions about the interview.

Gap Fill: Complete the conversation with the correct word!

More Grammar Conversations for Intermediate Students (B1)

Grammar Listening Practice


1247 Work from Abroad
B1-16 Adjective Clause
He's the guy who I was telling you about.

1247 Work from Abroad
B1-17 Noun Clause
Well, I will see what I can do, but no promises.

1247 Work from Abroad
B1-18 That Clause after Verbs
So, I assume that all are invited?

1247 Work from Abroad
B1-19 Gerunds
I like hiking and swimming, but not running.

1247 Work from Abroad
B1-20 Present Perfect - Time
I’ve known him since high school.

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