We’re used to seeing nouns and noun phrases as object of a verb, like in these sentences:
Tom finished breakfast quickly.
She baked a delicious chocolate cake.
But clauses too can occupy object position. Such clauses – also called object clauses or clausal objects – can be finite (noun clause) or non-finite (gerund phrase and infinitive phrase).
Let’s consider all three object positions: direct object of verb, indirect object of verb, and object of preposition.
1. Direct object of verb
1.1. Finite clause as direct object of verb
Although we usually study noun clause as one broad unit, they can be divided into three types:
- That-clause, which are introduced by that
- Wh-interrogative clause, which are introduced by wh-elements (how, when, where, why, who, whom, whose, what, and which)
- Yes–no interrogative clause, which are introduced by if and whether
All of them can function as direct object of verb in a sentence, which seems to be the most accommodating position for nominal clauses. You can usually drop that in that-clause. Examples:
She believes that he is innocent. [She believes he is innocent is fine too]
The police were surprised to find that the thieves didn’t touch the valuables. [Direct object of non-finite verb. Maybe I can push it to later]
I wonder how he completed the project on time.
She remembered when they finished the race.
I asked where she found my lost ring.
They questioned why the event was cancelled.
The detective, within a day, found out who stole the painting.
The board decided whom they will choose as the new CFO.
The jury couldn’t decide whose performance was the best.
I don’t know what upset my stomach.
The driver asked me which route he should take.
The organizers wondered if the weather would improve.
They debated whether he would come to the party.
1.2. We’re not done with finite clause yet
If you’re an intermediate to advanced learner, you would’ve been exposed to the three types of noun clauses we covered earlier. But if you’re an advanced plus learner, if there is such a term, you would know that there are two more – exclamative clause and nominal relative clause. Since they too function nominally, in common use, they are lumped together with the three we’ve covered so far under one big umbrella of noun clause.
Without going into peculiarities of the two clauses, here are examples of exclamative clause and nominal relative clause as direct object of verb. Note that they share some introductory words with wh-elements.
Here are examples of exclamative clause as direct object of verb:
We can’t fathom how amazing the performance was.
He didn’t know what a big mistake she had made.
And here are few (not all introductory words have been covered) examples of nominal relative clause as direct object of verb:
I found what I was looking for.
Choose whatever you like.
They hired who they found most suitable after three interviews.
The company rewards whoever works hard.
We covered some distance with finite clauses as direct object of verb. Here is a summary:
| Type of finite nominal clause | Does it function as direct object? |
| That-clause | Y |
| Wh-interrogative clause | Y |
| Yes–no interrogative clause (If) | Y |
| Yes–no interrogative clause (Whether) | Y |
| Exclamative clause | Y |
| Nominal relative clause | Y |
Note: For a finite clause that has multiple introductory words, some introductory words may not lead to natural and idiomatic direct object.
1.3. Non-finite clause as direct object of verb
There are two types of nominal non-finite clauses, also called nominal phrases:
- Nominal to-infinitive clause (also called infinitive phrase)
- Nominal -ing clause (also called gerund phrase)
Both can function as direct object of verb in a sentence. Examples:
I hope to travel around the world someday.
The teacher encouraged the students to ask more questions.
The manager suggested revising the project plan.
I have been considering moving to a new city.
Besides, we have a variant of nominal to-infinitive clause, derived from the finite clauses we covered earlier:
- Infinitive wh-clause derived from wh-interrogative clause
- Infinitive whether-clause derived from yes–no interrogative clause
(Note that if and that can’t introduce a to-infinitive clause.)
They function much like their parental clauses, though with some restrictions. Why, for example, is rarely used in infinitive form. Here are examples of few infinitive wh-clause and infinitive whether-clause as subject:
The HR discussed how to improve the attendance system.
You can’t decide when to leave.
I don’t know where to find the best deals.
I’m yet to figure out who to invite to the event. [Note that who to invite to the event is direct object of non-finite verb to figure out]
The guide explained what to bring for the trip.
The board is discussing whether to approve the plan.
Here is a summary of non-finite clause as direct object of verb:
| Type of non-finite nominal clause | Does it function as direct object? |
| To-infinitive clause | Y |
| Infinitive wh-clause | Y |
| Infinitive whether-clause | Y |
| -ing clause | Y |
Note: For a non-finite clause that has multiple introductory words, some introductory words may not lead to natural and idiomatic direct object.
In this post, we’re learning clauses in object position. You can learn clauses in other positions here:
2. Indirect object of verb
2.1. Finite clause as indirect object of verb
In complete contrast to direct object, indirect object is one of the least accommodative positions for clauses. Almost none of that-clause, wh-interrogative clause, or yes–no interrogative clause can be indirect object of a verb. Almost because that-clause is rarely used in not-so-acceptable way as indirect object:
The judge didn’t give that the defendant had a clean record any weight in final sentencing.
2.2. We’re not done with finite clause yet
Only nominal relative clauses can function as indirect object of verb. Examples:
The salesman gave whoever stopped even momentarily the leaflets.
[You can test if the clause is indirect object by converting it into a prepositional phrase introduced by to and seeing if it sounds fine. The salesman gave the leaflets to whoever stopped even momentarily indeed sounds fine]
I told whoever was listening what I knew. [Direct object too is a clause]
The instructor taught whomever she could the new dance steps.
We offered whatever support we could to the team.
[Incorrect. The clause is functioning as direct object. If you’re an advanced learner, you would know that indirect object is essentially a receiver, and whatever can’t represent humans, the usual receivers]
Give who/whom you trust the keys.
[This is nominal relative clause, though it is introduced by the same introductory words that introduce noun clause]
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2.3. Non-finite clause as indirect object of verb
No non-finite clause takes this position.
3. Object of preposition
3.1. Finite clause as object of preposition
In terms of accommodating clauses, object of preposition falls between direct and indirect object. Only wh-interrogative clauses and yes–no interrogative clause introduced by whether can take clause as object of preposition. Examples:
I was more interested in how he solved the problem.
The organizers are uncertain about when the match will restart.
They spoke of where the new office will be.
Rumor mill was strong on why he resigned.
Everyone is curious about who will host this year’s award ceremony.
He wondered to whom he should report.
They debated on whose proposal to accept.
They were curious about what the outcome would be.
He is unsure about which college he should enroll in.
The outcome depends on whether we can secure funding.
3.2. We’re not done with finite clause yet
Both exclamative clause and nominal relative clause can be object of preposition.
Here are examples of exclamative clause as object of preposition:
We were astonished by how beautiful the scenery was.
We discussed the details of what a significant change you had brought about in the organization.
Here are examples of nominal relative clause as object of preposition:
He can’t stop thinking about what happened yesterday.
Our team was ready for whatever may come.
We’re willing to work with whoever is elected.
The MD will go with whichever candidate the selection committee proposes.
We covered some distance with finite clauses as object of preposition. Here is a summary:
| Type of finite nominal clause | Does it function as object of preposition? |
| That-clause | N |
| Wh-interrogative clause | Y |
| Yes–no interrogative clause (If) | N |
| Yes–no interrogative clause (Whether) | Y |
| Exclamative clause | Y |
| Nominal relative clause | Y |
Note: For a finite clause that has multiple introductory words, some introductory words may not lead to natural and idiomatic object of preposition.
3.3. Non-finite clause as object of preposition
Of nominal to-infinitive clause and nominal -ing clause, only the latter can function as object of preposition in a sentence. Examples:
The team leader politely reminded everyone of the importance of meeting deadlines.
He has a talent for juggling three balls at together.
We are dedicated to improving our company’s culture.
People who show enthusiasm for learning new language learn one.
Then there is a variant of to-infinitive clause: infinitive wh-clause and infinitive whether-clause. (We discussed them in the section on direct object.) Here are examples of few infinitive wh-clause and infinitive whether-clause as object of preposition:
The furniture store provided detailed instructions on how to assemble the furniture.
We had little information on when to check in at the airport.
The pamphlet showed where to find the best restaurants in the city.
The website includes information on who to contact in an emergency.
The teacher provided us a glimpse into what to expect in the exam.
She is unsure regarding whom to assign the task.
The committee had a long discussion on whether to cut certain items in the budget.
Here is a summary of non-finite clause as object of preposition:
| Type of non-finite nominal clause | Does it function as object of preposition? |
| To-infinitive clause | N |
| Infinitive wh-clause | Y |
| Infinitive whether-clause | Y |
| -ing clause | Y |
Note: For a non-finite clause that has multiple introductory words, some introductory words may not lead to natural and idiomatic object of preposition.
