Noun Clauses Part 2
Objectives
- Identify noun clauses with if and whether.
- Explain the purpose of a noun clause
- Use noun clauses to provide additional information
Noun Clauses with If and Whether
Noun clauses can also be created using if and whether. We use these words when we want to know something that would be answered with a yes/no question. Just as with other noun clauses, keep S-V order in the clause. These noun clauses can follow verbs, infinitives, gerunds, and participles; only use whether after a preposition.
If and whether have the same meaning, so it does not matter which one you choose, but whether is considered more formal than if. They are both acceptable in academic settings (writing and speaking).
When making negative sentences with if/whether, use the phrase or not. There are several placement options for this structure. It is not necessary to include this phrase; it simply adds the possibility that the response could be negative.
if + S + V + or not
whether + S + V + or not
whether + or not + S + V
Examples:
I want to know if you will help me with my homework or not. (object of an infinitive)
People wonder whether the pandemic will ever end. (object of a verb)
Jaya asked whether or not the information would be available online. (object of a verb)
Will you tell me if you can come to the event this weekend? (object of a verb)
Considering if she should attend, Amara turned the invitation over in her hands. (object of a participle)
Exercise 1
Listen to this recording about social media and free speech. Then look at the transript to notice the use of if/whether noun clauses.
Marked Transcript
Social media is a constantly growing influence in the world. Maybe you have seen someone argue that if a post or user is removed that it is unfair censorship. Or maybe you have been on the other end and felt like the content was offensive. The question at the heart of this is whether or not the United States First Amendment applies in this situation. People who wonder if this First Amendment protects them in these situations need to understand that the amendment only applies to government censorship. Social media sites are private companies. When you register for a site, you agree to follow the rules outlined in the Terms of use. I wonder whether or not you read those before signing up for your accounts? These online community guidelines allow the company to remove posts or users that violate the rules, usually for problems such as hate speech, obscenity, misinformation, or harassment.
Speaking Practice
- What social media platforms do you use? How frequently do you use them?
- Do you follow any influencers? What makes you decide to follow these individuals or unfollow them?
- How do you think social media will evolve in the next 20 years?
Exercise 2
Partner Activity: Inventor Interviews
- With a partner, choose a famous inventor (past or present) that you would like to interview.
- Talk about questions you would ask them, but focus on yes/no questions. Instead of saying, "Did you believe this invention would make you famous?" use noun clauses with if/whether like "I wonder if he believed this invention would make him famous."
- Be prepared to share some of your interview brainstorming ideas with the whole class.
Group Activity: Interview Analysis
- Your group will watch a celebrity interview.
- Before you watch the video, talk about what you think the speakers will talk about.
- After you watch the video, discuss the main information shared in the interview.
- Focus on using noun clauses with if/whether to explain the ideas.
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