Lesson Introduction
Part 1
Noun Clauses
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Key Points |
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A noun clause is a dependent clause that contains a
subject and a verb and functions as a noun in a
sentence.
Noun clauses can begin with “that,” “whether,” “if,” or a
question word such as “what,” “who,” “when,” “where,”
“why,” or “how.” When the main clause is in the present tense, the noun clause can use any appropriate tense. When the main clause is in the past tense, the noun clause usually uses a past-related tense. |
✦ Noun clauses introduced by “that”
Let's break down the sentence we just looked at: I don't think that he will come tonight. In this sentence “think” is a verb, and the clause “that he will come tonight” acts as an object after “think” and plays the role of a noun, so It is a noun clause. Let’s look at more examples:
I hope
that you will find a job soon.
I am sure
that she will pass the exam.
I am afraid
that I won't be able to come tomorrow.
I'm so happy
that everything is working out for you.
It's important to note that in casual English, "that" is often omitted when the clause it introduces is used as the object of a sentence. Furthermore, the tenses of main clauses and noun clauses, which is an area that often confuses people, can vary as long as the following two principles are adhered to.
(1) If the main clause is in the present tense, the noun clause can be in any tense
I hope that you will get better soon.
I am certain that he will get the job.
I believe that he is not lying.
I bet that he didn't get the haircut yesterday.
(2) If the main clause is in the past tense, the noun clauses are mostly past-related tenses
I am sorry that I stood you up.
I knew that you would not come yesterday.
I was afraid that the typhoon would cause damage to our house.
I was so happy that we won the game last weekend.
I thought that I had lost my phone, but it was in my other coat
pocket.
I'm sure everyone is well-acquainted with the concept of noun clauses by now. However, we must remember that there are various conjunctions that can introduce these noun clauses. So, let's delve into exploring the different types of noun clauses.
✦ Noun clauses introduced by question words
Noun clauses introduced by question words are simple to comprehend. They come in handy when a single word isn't sufficient to express a sentence. For instance, if we're uncertain about a location, we can use 'where'. Similarly, if the timing is unclear, we can use 'when', and so forth.
▶️ The words "when", "where", "how", and "will" should be followed by a complete clause that includes both the subject and the object.
I want to know when you
will be home tomorrow.
They have not decided
where they are going to
have the barbecue party this year.
We need to discuss
how we can increase
sales.
Can you find out why the
copy machine is not working?
▶️ The interrogative pronouns "who", "what", and "which" serve as the subject or object in a noun clause. Therefore, they are usually followed by an incomplete clause that lacks a subject or object.
I wonder who will be
showing up tonight.
I have no idea
what you're talking
about.
I can't decide which is
better.
▶️ "Whose" and "which" are considered interrogative adjectives because they modify the nouns that follow them. When using these adjectives, the following clause often omits the subject or object, resulting in an incomplete sentence.
I can't decide
which jeans look better
on me.
I don't know whose book
it is.
▶️ Noun clauses introduced by compound question words such as “whoever”, “whatever”, “whichever”, “whenever”, “wherever”, and “however”
I don't care
whenever you do it, as
long as it gets done on time.
You can tell
whomever you want.
I will eat whatever is
on the menu tonight, as long as it's vegetarian.
✦ Noun clauses introduced by “whether” or “if”
The noun clause can be introduced using "whether" or "if". These
two words are generally interchangeable in noun clauses. However,
there are specific situations where "whether" is the only applicable
choice:
1. When followed by "or not"
2. When
followed by "to" plus a verb
3. When the clause, starting with
"whether", is the subject of the sentence
We are still
deciding if/whether we should go to Paris
this year.
I was wondering
if/whether you'd like
to go to the movies with me this evening.
I asked
if/whether she'd like
to come out with us tonight.
I can't decide
whether I should take
the job offer
or not.
I'm wondering
whether to have the
fish or the beef for lunch.
TOEIC Example: The recent sales report indicated _____ the company experienced a 16 percent decline in international sales during the past three years.
(A) about
(B) on
(C) that
(D) this
The correct answer is (C) that.
TOEIC Example: The human resources head is asking about _____ Mr. Murphy will be available to conduct training workshops next month.
(A) if
(B) that
(C) while
(D) whereas
The correct answer is (A) if.
The conjunction "if" is
used to introduce a noun clause in a sentence. It is correctly
used here to inquire about the possibility or condition of Mr.
Murphy being available to conduct training workshops next month.
The sentence is essentially asking about the condition or
possibility of a certain situation happening - Mr. Murphy being
available.
(B) “That” is inaccurate because "that" is
used to introduce a clause, fact, or idea, rather than asking
about a possibility or information. In the context of the
sentence, the human resources head is seeking information about
Mr. Murphy's availability, which requires a conjunction that
introduces a conditional or interrogative clause such as "if".
(C) "While" is a conjunction used to refer to things
happening simultaneously or to contrast things or situations. In
the sentence, there are no simultaneous events or contrasted
ideas, so "while" is not correct here.
(D) "Whereas" is
a conjunction used to indicate a contrast between two statements.
In the sentence, there are no contrasting ideas, so "whereas" is
not appropriate here.
TOEIC Example: Mr. Moore wants to know _____ the final revisions will be made to the contract.
(A) when
(B) about
(C) on
(D) what
The correct answer is (A) when.
In the context of the
sentence, Mr. Moore is inquiring about the time at which the final
revisions are expected to be made to the contract. The word "when"
is used to ask about the time or occasion of an event, and it
introduces the noun clause “ when the final revisions will be made
to the contract‘. It is the most appropriate choice for this
sentence.
(B) “about” is incorrect because it is a
preposition typically used to express the subject matter of
something, not the time. In this context, it doesn't make sense to
say "Mr. Moore wants to know about the final revisions will be
made to the contract."
(C) “on” is incorrect because it
is a preposition used to indicate the day or date when something
happens. However, this is not appropriate in the sentence because
there is no specific day or date mentioned.
(D) “what”
is incorrect because it is a pronoun typically used to ask for
information specifying something. In this context, it doesn't make
sense to say "Mr. Moore wants to know what the final revisions
will be made to the contract." It would only be correct if
followed by another noun, as in "Mr. Moore wants to know what
changes will be made to the contract."
TOEIC Example: We will have a discussion about _____ to allocate funds for social media marketing campaigns.
(A) if
(B) that
(C) whether
(D) which
The correct answer is (C) whether.
In the sentence,
"We will have a discussion about _____ to allocate funds for
social media marketing campaigns," the blank needs to be filled
with a word that can begin a noun clause, which acts as the object
of the preposition "about." The word "whether" correctly
introduces a noun clause, indicating a question or doubt between
alternatives, which fits well with the context. So, "We will have
a discussion about whether to allocate funds for social media
marketing campaigns," means that there will be a debate about the
decision on allocating funds for social media marketing
campaigns.
(A) "If" is incorrect. The phrase "if to
allocate funds" doesn't make grammatical sense, whereas "whether
to allocate funds" does.
(B) "That" is used to
introduce a noun clause that states a fact or gives information,
but it does not fit in this context because it doesn't introduce a
doubt or question.
(D) "Which" introduces a relative
clause and is used to give additional information about a noun or
to identify the noun being talked about. However, in this context,
there's no preceding noun for "which" to refer to, making it
grammatically incorrect.
Roles of Noun Clauses
A noun clause can act as a subject, an object, or a complement after “be” verbs.
▶️ The noun clause acts as a subject
Whenever you want to meet, it's fine with me.
How the pyramids were built remains a mystery.
Whether aliens exist still puzzled many scientists.
That he played hard for the whole team makes all of us proud.
▶️ The noun clause acts as an object
I am sorry that I stood you up.
We don't know whether the flight will be delayed or not as there is
a severe storm in the area.
I see what you mean now—I didn't understand it before, but it makes
sense.
Have you heard about what the latest fashion trend is? Animal
prints are back in style!
* Prepositions are followed by nouns, and this sentence is followed by noun clauses
The following sentence uses the fourth sentence type (S + V + O + O).
The company notified
me that I didn't get
the job.
I told my boss that I
won't go to work tomorrow.
The boss informed
Camille that she would
be promoted next month.
You can ask
people how to get to
the bus station.
Jeff asked me where
his wallet was.
I reminded her that
the conference had been canceled.
▶️ The noun clause acts as a subject complement
The reason why she
got promoted is that she worked harder than anyone else.
My guess is that the i Phone 14 will sell better than the i Phone
13.
My dream is that I will be able to retire early and spend my days
volunteering and traveling to new places.
TOEIC Example: The supervisor reminds the staff that ____ is discussed at the meeting is confidential.
(A) whenever
(B) whatever
(C) wherever
(D) however
The correct answer is (B) whatever.
The grammar rule
that applies here is about noun clauses. A noun clause is a group
of words that acts like a noun. It can be the subject of a
sentence, an object, or a complement. In this sentence, "whatever
is discussed at the meeting" acts as a noun clause. "Whatever" is
a relative pronoun that introduces the noun clause, and it stands
for anything that or the things which.
(A) "whenever"
is incorrect because it pertains to time. In this sentence, we are
not referring to a specific time or every time something is
discussed at the meeting. We are referring to anything or
everything that is discussed.
(C) "wherever" is
incorrect because it refers to place or location. In this context,
we are not referring to any place or location where something is
discussed, but rather to anything that is discussed at the
meeting.
(D) "however" is incorrect because it is
usually used to introduce a contrast or a surprising fact, or to
show the way something is done. In this sentence, we are simply
stating that anything that is discussed at the meeting is
confidential. There is no contrast, surprising fact, or
explanation of a method or way.
TOEIC Example: News programs keep me informed of _____ is happening around the world.
(A) why
(B) how
(C) when
(D) what
The correct answer is (D) what.
In this sentence, a
noun clause is used as the object of the preposition "of". A noun
clause is a group of words that acts as a noun in a sentence. In
this case, the noun clause is "what is happening around the
world". The word "what" is used as a connector to link two clauses
together, indicating the content of the information the news
programs provide.
(A) “why” is incorrect because it
indicates a reason or explanation, which is not the main focus of
the information provided by news programs.
(B) “how”
is incorrect because it indicates the way or manner in which
something is done, but here we are trying to express the content
of what the news programs show, not the manner in which they do
it.
(C) “when” is incorrect because it indicates a
time, while the sentence is about the content of the information
that news programs provide, not the timing of the events.
Continue to next part:
Part 2
Situations Where the Verb Within a Noun Clause should remain in its Base Form
In English, there are certain situations where the verb within a noun clause should remain in its base form.
▶️ Sentence pattern: Subject + suggest/advise/insist/propose/demand/.. etc. + (that) + subject + (should) + base form of the verb
The first situation typically happens in sentences that express suggestions, advice, or necessity. These verbs are typically as follows:
- suggest/propose/move/counsel/advise/recommend
- insist/urge/maintain/hold/persist
- require/request/demand/ask
- order/command
- stipulate/rule
The pattern for these sentences is often "subject +
suggest/advise/insist/propose/demand + (that) + subject + base form
of the verb". Let's look at some examples:
My doctor
suggested that I drink more water.
I propose that we start the
meeting at 10 am.
The teacher insisted that the students hand
in their assignments on time.
In these sentences, "drink," "start," and "hand in" are all in their base form, regardless of the subject of the noun clause. This use of the base form of the verb is also known as the mandative subjunctive mood. Here are more example sentences:
Southwest Airlines requested that all baggage be kept in the
overhead compartments.
The university suggests that students order their textbooks at
least a week prior to the start of the classes.
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Please note that while this pattern is particularly common in American English, it is frequently replaced by "should + infinitive" or the present tense in British English. For example, "My doctor suggested that I should drink more water" or "My doctor suggested that I drink more water" would be more common in British English. |
▶️Sentence pattern: It is + adj. + that + S + (should) + base verb
If the primary clause uses adjectives that convey a sense of "suggestion", "insistence", "requirement", "command" or "stipulation", the verbs in the secondary clauses should be in their base form. These adjectives include:
- important, imperative, vital, crucial, critical, and pivotal
- urgent
- essential, necessary, and indispensable
It is essential that the notification be provided at least one
month in advance.
It is imperative that managers write progress reports at the end of
every week.
TOEIC Example: The manager insists that every employee _____ on time for the meeting.
(A) arrive
(B) arrives
(C) arriving
(D) to arrive
The correct answer is (A) arrive.
The verb in the
noun clause should use the base verb when the main clause is a
suggestion sentence. In the sentence, "The manager insists that
every employee _____ on time for the meeting," the main clause
"The manager insists" is a suggestion sentence, which indicates
that the noun clause should use the base form of the verb.
Therefore, the correct answer is "arrive," which is the base form
of the verb.
(B) “arrives” is incorrect because it is
not the base form of the verb. The base form is "arrive" without
the "s".
(C) “arriving” is incorrect because it is the
present participle form of the verb, not the base form.
(D)
“to arrive” is incorrect because it is the infinitive form of the
verb, not the base form.
This is the final section of the lesson. I'm ready to start the review exercises!
Review Exercise (1/17)
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) what.
The noun clause in this sentence is "what needs to be revised in tomorrow's board meeting." The noun clause is the object of the verb 'decide,' indicating the thing that the board of directors will decide. 'What' is used in noun clauses to mean 'the thing(s) that' or 'the thing(s) which.' In this sentence, 'what' introduces the noun clause and refers to the thing(s) that need to be revised.
(A) 'Those' is incorrect because it is a demonstrative pronoun and it refers to specific items already mentioned. Since no specific items have been mentioned before in this sentence, 'those' is not appropriate.
(B) 'That' is incorrect because 'that' is a relative pronoun used to introduce relative clauses, not noun clauses. Relative clauses give additional information about a noun, while noun clauses can function as the subject, the object, or the complement of a sentence.
(D) 'There' is incorrect because it is usually used as an adverb to indicate a place or position. Here, it does not make sense because we're not referring to a place or position, but to the thing(s) that need to be revised.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) that.
In this sentence, "that the fatty fritters were back in supply and would be restored to menus at all branches in Taiwan effective immediately" is a noun clause acting as the direct object of the verb 'announced'. Noun clauses can begin with words like 'that', 'how', 'what', 'why', 'when', 'where', 'whether', 'if' and 'who'. However, the conjunction 'that' is commonly used to link a clause to the verb 'announce' in formal English.
(A) 'Whatever' does not fit in this context. 'Whatever' is often used to introduce a noun clause, but it usually implies any or all things, or regardless of what. This doesn't make sense in this context, as the fast-food chain isn't announcing any or all things, but a specific piece of information.
(B) 'When' is used to introduce a noun clause that tells about a time, but in this context, time is not what is important or being announced. The fast-food chain is announcing the fact that a specific item is back in supply.
(D) 'If' is used to introduce a conditional clause, not a noun clause. Using 'if' would imply a condition or uncertainty, which is not the case here. The fast-food chain isn't announcing a condition or possibility, but a fact.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) be instructed.
In English, there are certain situations where the verb within a noun clause should remain in its base form. This typically happens in sentences that express suggestions, advice, or necessity. However, in this specific context, the verb needs to be in the passive form because the action (instruction) is being done to the employees, not by them. Hence, "be instructed" is the correct form.
(A) "Instruct" is incorrect because it implies that the employees are the ones doing the instructing, not receiving it.
(C) "Instruction" is incorrect as it does not fit grammatically in the sentence. It is a noun, not a verb, and thus does not agree with the subject "employees."
(D) "Instructed" is incorrect because it is the past tense of the verb and does not fit in the given context. The sentence is giving advice for an ongoing action (regular instruction), not an action that has already happened in the past. Therefore, the verb needs to be in the base form, but in its passive voice, which is "be instructed."
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) cease.
In English, there are certain situations where the verb within a noun clause should remain in its base form. This typically happens in sentences that express suggestions, advice, or necessity- in this case, the necessity for work on the bridge to stop. When a verb follows a command or a similar expression, it should be in the subjunctive mood, and the base form of the verb is used. Hence, 'cease' is the correct choice.
(A) 'will cease' is incorrect because the construction manager is giving a command, not predicting a future action. In English, the future tense 'will' is usually not used after command expressions.
(B) 'ceases' is incorrect because it is the simple present tense form of the verb. In English, the simple present tense is not used after command expressions, which require the base form of the verb.
(D) 'is ceased' is incorrect because it uses the passive voice incorrectly. The verb 'cease' is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object, and therefore cannot be used in the passive voice.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((A))".
clear Not quite. ((A)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (A) stay.
The correct answer is "stay" because the verb "insisted" is used in the sentence. After certain verbs including "insist," "suggest," "recommend," and "demand," the base form of the verb (in this case, "stay") is used to express a demand or a suggestion. This usage is part of the subjunctive mood in English. The subjunctive is used to talk about situations that are hypothetical or not yet realized and is typically used for what is imagined, hoped for, demanded, or expected.
(B) "stayed" is incorrect because it is past tense. The landlord is insisting something for the future, not the past.
(C) "will stay" is incorrect because after "insist," the base form of the verb is used without "will."
(D) "is staying" is incorrect because it is present continuous tense, which is used for actions happening now or for future arrangements. In this case, the landlord is making a demand or a suggestion for the future, not stating a current action or a future arrangement. The present continuous also does not follow "insist."
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) whomever.
In this sentence, 'whomever' is used correctly as it introduces a noun clause working as the direct object of the verb 'awarded.' A noun clause is a group of words that act as a noun in a sentence. It can be the subject of a sentence, an object, or a complement. 'Whomever' is the correct choice because it is used as the object in the noun clause "whomever the employer and the other employees identify with for the year."
(A) 'That' is incorrect in this context. 'That' is a relative pronoun used to introduce a clause, but it does not make sense in this sentence because 'that' refers back to a specific thing or person previously mentioned, which is not the case here.
(C) 'Who' is incorrect because it acts as the subject of a clause, not the object. In this sentence, the bonus is being awarded to the person, so the person is the object of the action, not the subject.
(D) 'Whether' is a conjunction used to introduce indirect questions or to express doubt or choice between alternatives. It does not fit in this context because the sentence is not introducing a choice or a doubt, but identifying the person who will receive the bonus.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((D))".
clear Not quite. ((D)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (D) Whichever.
(D) "Whichever" is the correct choice. It correctly implies that any customer, regardless of their specific identity or characteristics, who fills out the questionnaire, is eligible. The sentence correctly reads as "Whichever customer fill out our online questionnaire are eligible..."
(A) "Who" – This option doesn't fit grammatically. The sentence would require rephrasing to use "who," such as "Customers who fill out our online questionnaire are eligible..."
(B) "One" – While grammatically possible, it changes the meaning. "One customer fill out..." suggests a singular, which is not fitting in this context.
(C) "Any" – This could seem correct, as "Any customer fill out..." implies inclusivity. However, it's grammatically incorrect; it would need to be "Any customer who fills out..."
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((A))".
clear Not quite. ((A)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (A) whatever.
"Whatever" is used here as a pronoun to introduce a noun clause. "Whatever border control measures necessary" acts as the direct object of the verb "take". In this context, "whatever" is used to refer to anything or everything that is needed or required. This usage is correct because it indicates an unspecified number or amount of border control measures that might be needed, depending on the situation.
(B) "where" is a relative adverb used to introduce a clause that indicates place or location. Its use here would not make sense because the phrase "the government will take where border control measures" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't make sense in the context of the sentence.
(C) "how" is an adverb used to ask in what way or manner something happens or is done. In this context, "how" would not be correct because it would imply asking about the method of taking border control measures, not the measures themselves.
(D) "whenever" is a conjunction used to mean "every time that" or "at whatever time", introducing a clause indicating a time. Its use here would not make sense because the phrase "the government will take whenever border control measures" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't fit the context of the sentence.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) whether or not.
In this sentence, TSMC Tech is considering a possible action or decision, so we need a noun clause that expresses uncertainty or a choice. "Whether or not" introduces a noun clause that shows two possible alternatives (to build an advanced packaging facility in Chiayi or Yunlin County).
(A) "that" is incorrect because “that to build …” is not grammatically correct.
(C) "whereas" because “whereas to build …” is not grammatically correct.
(D) "what" because “what to build …” is not grammatically correct.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((D))".
clear Not quite. ((D)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (D) if.
In this sentence, the word that follows should introduce a noun clause, which acts as the object of the verb "know". The noun clause in this sentence is "if they would like to apply for a pay raise". The conjunction "if" is used to introduce a condition or possibility, making it the correct choice in this context.
(A) "who" is incorrect because it is a relative pronoun that is used to introduce a relative clause, not a noun clause. It does not fit into the context of the sentence because it would imply that the employees should let their managers know a person, not a condition or possibility.
(B) "what" is incorrect because it is used to ask for information specifying something. In this context, the employees are not asking for information; they are indicating a condition or possibility.
(C) "whichever" is incorrect because it is used to indicate a choice from among a defined set of alternatives. In this context, there is no set of alternatives from which to choose.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) how.
The question the caterer asked requires an answer that provides a quantity, meaning the number of guests. In English grammar, "how" is used before an adjective or adverb to form a question asking about quantity or degree. In this case, the caterer is asking about the number of guests, which is a quantity. Therefore, "how" is the appropriate choice.
(A) “About” is a preposition that indicates topics or subjects of conversation. It does not function well with the verb "asked" in forming a question about quantity. It would have been correct if the sentence was "The caterer asked about the guests," but in this context, it's incorrect.
(C) “Concerning” is a preposition that means regarding or with respect to. Similar to 'about', it indicates the topic of conversation but doesn't fit well with the verb "asked" in forming a question about quantity. "The caterer asked concerning the guests," would be incorrect in this context.
(D) “What” is used to ask for information specifying something. In this context, the caterer is not asking for specific information about the guests, but rather the quantity of guests. Therefore, "what" is not the appropriate choice. "The caterer asked what guests would be present," would imply the caterer is asking for specific guest names or identities, not the number of guests.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((D))".
clear Not quite. ((D)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (D) if.
The correct answer in this context is "if", because it introduces a condition and is used to form a noun clause. A noun clause is a type of dependent clause that functions as a noun in a sentence. In the sentence, "if they would like to apply for a pay raise" is the noun clause functioning as the direct object of the verb "know".
(A) "Who" is incorrect because it is used to ask questions or to introduce a clause that gives additional information about someone or something. It does not fit in this context.
(B) "What" is a relative pronoun used to introduce a clause giving additional information, but in this sentence, we need a conjunction to connect two clauses.
(C) "Whichever" is incorrect because it’s used to show a choice from a limited number of options. It does not make sense in this context as we are not speaking about choices.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) how.
In this sentence, a noun clause is used as an object of the verb "asked". A noun clause is a type of dependent clause that functions as a noun in a sentence. It can perform all the functions of a noun in a sentence, including acting as an object of a verb. Here, the noun clause is "how many guests would be present at the dinner". The question word "how" introduces the noun clause and is used to ask about quantity or number.
(A) "about" is incorrect because it does not properly introduce the noun clause in this context. The preposition "about" is used to express the subject of something, but it is not used to introduce noun clauses.
(C) "concerning" is incorrect because it is generally used to indicate the topic of something, not to introduce a noun clause. It is more formal and less common in everyday English, and it doesn't fit well in this context.
(D) "what" is incorrect because it is used to ask for specific information or to identify something. In this context, we need to ask about the quantity of guests, so "how" is the appropriate question word to use.
Restart Test
Submit Answer
done That's right! Correct answer is "((B))".
clear Not quite. ((B)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (B) what.
The correct sentence is: "During the orientation, department managers will explain what the job will exactly entail to their new employees." Here, "what the job will exactly entail" is a noun clause that functions as the direct object of the verb "explain". Noun clauses can start with words like "what," "that," "why," etc., and they always function as a noun in a sentence.
(A) "how" is incorrect because it's usually used to describe the manner in which something is done, not the thing itself. In this context, "how the job will exactly entail" doesn't make sense because "how" can't introduce the details of a job.
(C) "when" is incorrect because it indicates time, which is not the focus in the context of the sentence. The managers are explaining the job details, not when they will do so.
(D) "which" is incorrect because it's used to select from a specific set of options, which is not applicable in this context. There's no previously mentioned set of jobs for "which" to refer to.
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done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) be handed.
In English, there are certain situations where the verb within a noun clause should remain in its base form. This typically happens in sentences that express suggestions, advice, or necessity. In such cases, we use the base form of the verb (in this case, 'hand') and precede it with the word 'be'. So "be handed" is the correct form here as it expresses the necessity of the report being handed in by this Friday.
(A) "is handed" is incorrect because it is in the present tense, which does not express the necessary future action.
(B) "hands" is incorrect because it is in the present tense and in the third-person singular form. It does not fit the sentence context as it does not express the necessary future action.
(D) "hand" is incorrect because it does not include the necessary 'be' to express the correct subjective mood. 'Hand' alone would be an imperative or command, which does not fit the context of the sentence.
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done That's right! Correct answer is "((C))".
clear Not quite. ((C)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (C) who.
In this context, we are choosing a person who will be the best employee of the year. In English, when we refer to people, we use "who". Thus, the noun clause in this sentence is "who will be the best employee of the year", acting as the object of the verb "determine".
(A) "how" is incorrect because it is used to refer to the way in which something happens or is done, not to refer to a person.
(B) "what" is incorrect because it is used to refer to things, not people.
(D) "that" is incorrect because it is a relative pronoun and is usually used to introduce a clause, especially a restrictive relative clause, not to refer to a person.
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done That's right! Correct answer is "((D))".
clear Not quite. ((D)) is the correct answer.
The correct answer is (D) be held.
In English, there are certain situations where the verb within a noun clause should remain in its base form. This typically happens in sentences that express suggestions, advice, or necessity. In this sentence, 'requested' is such a verb that requires the use of the subjunctive mood. The structure of the subjunctive mood is: the base form of the verb (be, do, have, etc.) without 'to'. Therefore, "be held" is correct.
(A) "is held" is incorrect because it uses the simple present tense, which doesn't fit in this context. The manager is making a request for a future event, not stating a fact in the present.
(B) "hold" is incorrect because it's in the base form, which doesn't fit the sentence structure. It would be correct if the sentence was an imperative command, such as "Hold the next meeting on a Friday".
(C) "held" is incorrect because it's the past participle of the verb 'hold'. It would be correct if the sentence was in passive voice and in past tense, such as "The next meeting was held on a Friday".
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