What kind of clause is the underlined part of the sentence given below?
The big question at the hostel meeting was how the water tank had run dry overnight.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Noun clause
“How the water tank had run dry overnight” tells what the big question was. “The big question ... was” is not complete without it.
| Clause | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Adjective clause | describes a noun that comes just before it; this clause comes after the verb “was” | The boy who sits next to me plays the tabla. |
| (2) Adverb clause | tells when, where, why or how an action is done; this clause names the question itself | The children went quiet when the principal walked in. |
| (3) Principal clause | the main clause; it makes full sense on its own | The shop was closed because it was a holiday. |
| (4) Noun clause (answer) | does the work of a noun; after is or was, it can complete the meaning of the subject | The plan is that we leave for Agra at six. |