Question

Modify the underlined noun clause into a noun phrase:
Please tell me how I can make English muffins. [Intermediate]

• A. how I can learn how to make English muffins
• B. how to make English muffins
• C. making English muffins
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B how to make English muffins

A noun clause is a dependent clause that functions as a noun. It usually begins with what, whatever, whom, that and other such relative pronouns. A noun clause can act as a subject, object, predicate nominative or object of a preposition, in a sentence.
We can reduce a noun clause to a noun phrase by using an infinitive phrase, where the subject is removed and the verb phrase is changed to an infinitive (to + verb).
Option B is correct because it is the reduced form of the underlined clause, with the infinitive 'to make'.
Option A is incorrect because it is different in meaning from the underlined clause.
Option C is incorrect because upon adding the phrase the sentence isn't coherent in meaning.
Option D is incorrect because the answer lies in B.