1. Understanding the Basic Structure of English Sentences
English sentences have a basic structure consisting of a subject, a verb, and an object. This structure is an important foundation for understanding the meaning of sentences and effectively communicating. In particular, the object indicates the target of the action and plays a crucial role in the sentence.
2. What is an Object?
2.1 Definition of an Object
An object is a term that represents the target of an action performed by the subject expressed through the verb. For example, in “I read a book,” “a book” is the object. Here, a book is what the subject “I” is reading.
2.2 Types of Objects
In English, objects are broadly classified into two types: direct objects and indirect objects.
- Direct Object: Indicates the target directly acted upon by the verb. In “She sang a song,” “a song” is the direct object.
- Indirect Object: Indicates the recipient of the action of the verb. In “He gave her a gift,” “her” is the indirect object and “a gift” is the direct object.
3. What is a Nominal Clause Object?
3.1 Definition of a Nominal Clause
A nominal clause functions like a noun and can serve various grammatical roles such as subject, object, or complement. For example, in “What she said was surprising,” “What she said” is a nominal clause acting as the subject. Nominal clauses typically begin with conjunctions like that, what, whether, etc.
3.2 Usage of Nominal Clause as an Object
When a nominal clause serves as an object, it is usually explained by the verb. For instance, in “I believe that he will come,” “that he will come” functions as the object of “believe.” However, in this case, the nominal clause is used in an indirect reporting form, carrying various meanings.
4. Formation of Nominal Clause Objects
Nominal clause objects can be formed through various conjunctions:
- That: “I think that it will rain.”
- What: “I don’t know what he wants.”
- Whether: “I’m not sure whether she will come.”
These conjunctions create nominal clauses within sentences, allowing those nominal clauses to serve as objects.
5. Examples of Nominal Clause Objects
To understand the use of nominal clause objects, let’s look at a few examples:
- “She explained that the meeting was canceled.” – Here, “that the meeting was canceled” is the object.
- “I wonder what they are doing.” – “what they are doing” is used as a nominal clause object.
- “Can you tell me whether he has finished?” – “whether he has finished” functions as the object.
6. Differences Between Objects and Nominal Clause Objects
Objects are typically made up of words or phrases, while nominal clauses are necessarily made up of clauses, allowing them to contain more complex information. When the object is simply omitted, a nominal clause is often needed to specify a more detailed target.
7. Practice Problems for Nominal Clause Objects
To deepen your understanding of nominal clause objects, solving practice problems can be a good method.
Problem 1:
Complete the sentence that includes an object: “I asked him _____.” (what he wanted / he to come)
Problem 2:
Create a sentence using the given word: “whether” – “I don’t know ______.” (he is coming)
8. Conclusion
Understanding objects and nominal clause objects is essential when constructing English sentences. Nominal clause objects can be utilized in various situations, allowing for richer and more accurate communication. It is important to practice enough to use these concepts naturally.