Question

In which sentence does the underlined noun clause contain an introductory word that has no function within the clause?

A frenzy of interest was caused by whoever found gold in Bonanza Creek.

Often, their only possessions were whatever they could carry on their backs.

The miners believed that they could find gold quickly.

John Bell chose which tributary to explore.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: The miners believed that they could find gold quickly.

Answer 2

The correct answer is: The miners believed that they could find gold quickly.

The introductory word that has no function within the clause is THAT. In this case, it is a conjunction - that is a function word with little or no lexical meaning, which only functions as a glue to hold two clauses together.

The other sentences don't have such words. Their introductory words (whoever, whatever, which) have functions within clauses.