English question from Jr. Assistant exam, 2026 by JKSSB
Identify the type of clause in the sentence below:
What the committee decided surprised everyone present.
The clause "What the committee decided" is a:
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option A —
Noun clause functioning as the subject
Analysis of the Clause
A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions just like a single noun or a pronoun. To identify its role, you can try replacing the entire clause with a simple pronoun like "It" or "That":
Original: [What the committee decided] surprised everyone.
Substitution: [It] surprised everyone.
Since the substitution works and "It" acts as the subject of the verb "surprised," the original clause is functioning as the subject.
Why the other options are incorrect:
B) Adjective clause: These modify a noun (e.g., "The decision that the committee made..."). In this sentence, the clause isn't describing a noun; it is the noun.
C) Adverbial clause: These modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs and usually answer "when," "where," "why," or "how." This clause answers "what" (the subject).
D) Independent clause: An independent clause must be able to stand alone as a complete sentence. "What the committee decided" is a fragment on its own.
Structural Breakdown
Noun Clause: "What the committee decided"
Subject of the clause: "the committee"
Verb of the clause: "decided"
Main Verb of the sentence: "surprised"
Direct Object: "everyone present"
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
