Clauses used as subjects
Definition
A subject clause is a clause that occupies the subject position of a larger sentence. It can begin with that, whether, a wh- word, an -ing form or a to-infinitive, depending on the meaning and style.
Examples
-
What she decided surprised everyone.
The complete what-clause is the subject of surprised.
-
Whether the plan will work remains unclear.
The whether clause presents an unresolved possibility as the subject.
-
That he resigned was unexpected.
The that-clause names the fact evaluated as unexpected.
Subject clause vs. extraposition with it
That the figures were wrong became obvious.
The full content clause comes before the verb.
It became obvious that the figures were wrong.
It fills the early subject position and the content clause comes later.
Both forms can express the same proposition. Extraposition is often more natural when the subject clause is long or heavy.
Verb agreement normally treats the clause as singular
A subject clause usually takes a singular verb because the whole clause is treated as one fact, question, action or situation. The form inside the clause follows its own grammar.
-
What they need is more time.
The entire what-clause functions as one subject, so is is natural.
-
Living abroad has changed her perspective.
The -ing clause acts as a singular subject.
Common mistakes
What did she decide surprised everyone.
What she decided surprised everyone.
An embedded wh- clause uses statement word order, not question word order.
That he left were unexpected.
That he left was unexpected.
The subject clause is normally treated as singular.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains a clause functioning as the subject?
What Mina said is the subject of changed.Which embedded clause has the correct word order?
An embedded clause uses statement order: where the keys are.Which sentence has natural subject–verb agreement?
The whole whether clause is treated as a singular subject, so is is used.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
It's free. No ads. No credit card.