Definition of a Subject
In grammar, the subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action or is being described. It tells us who or what the sentence is about. Every sentence must have a subject to make sense, as it serves as the core around which the rest of the sentence is built.
The subject works in tandem with the verb (predicate) to express a complete thought.
Types of Subjects
- Simple Subject
- The simple subject is the main word or words that tell who or what the sentence is about, without any modifiers.
- Example: “The cat is sleeping.” (The simple subject is “cat.”)
- Complete Subject
- The complete subject includes the simple subject along with all the words that modify or describe it.
- Example: “The small, black cat is sleeping.” (The complete subject is “The small, black cat.”)
- Compound Subject
- A compound subject consists of two or more subjects that share the same verb and are connected by a conjunction (such as “and” or “or”).
- Example: “The cat and the dog are playing.” (The compound subject is “The cat and the dog.”)
Position of the Subject in a Sentence
- Subject Before the Verb
In most sentences, the subject appears before the verb.- Example: “The teacher explained the lesson.” (Subject: “The teacher”)
- Subject After the Verb (Inverted Sentences)
In some cases, especially in questions and certain stylistic writing, the subject follows the verb.- Example: “Where is the teacher?” (Subject: “The teacher”)
- Implied Subject (Imperative Sentences)
In imperative sentences (commands or requests), the subject is often implied and not directly stated, but it is understood to be “you.”- Example: “Close the door.” (Implied subject: “You”)
Functions of the Subject
The subject performs several key functions within a sentence:
- Performer of the Action The subject often performs the action described by the verb.
- Example: “The dog barked loudly.” (The subject “The dog” is performing the action of barking.)
- Receiver of the Action In passive sentences, the subject may receive the action rather than perform it.
- Example: “The ball was thrown by John.” (The subject “The ball” receives the action of being thrown.)
- State of Being In sentences with linking verbs (such as “is,” “was,” or “seem”), the subject is being described rather than performing an action.
- Example: “She is happy.” (The subject “She” is being described as happy.)
Subject-Verb Agreement
One of the fundamental rules of grammar is that the subject and verb must agree in number. This means that:
- Singular subjects take singular verbs.
- Example: “The cat runs.”
- Plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Example: “The cats run.”
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- Collective Nouns: Nouns like “team,” “group,” or “family” may take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is being considered as a single unit or as individual members.
- Example: “The team is winning.” (As a single unit)
- Example: “The team are arguing among themselves.” (As individuals)
- Indefinite Pronouns: Pronouns like “everyone” and “nobody” are singular and take singular verbs.
- Example: “Everyone is here.”
- Subjects Joined by ‘Or’ or ‘Nor’: When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
- Example: “Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.”
Subject in Different Sentence Types
- Declarative Sentences
In a declarative sentence, the subject simply states information.- Example: “The boy plays soccer.”
- Interrogative Sentences
In interrogative sentences (questions), the subject may appear after the verb or between auxiliary verbs.- Example: “Is the boy playing soccer?”
- Imperative Sentences
In imperative sentences (commands or requests), the subject is often implied and understood to be “you.”- Example: “Please sit down.” (Implied subject: “You”)
- Exclamatory Sentences
In exclamatory sentences, the subject is often used to emphasize strong emotion.- Example: “What a beautiful day it is!” (Subject: “it”)
Common Issues with Subjects
- Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
One of the most common mistakes in sentence construction is a lack of agreement between the subject and the verb. For instance:- Incorrect: “The dogs runs fast.”
- Correct: “The dogs run fast.”
- Unclear Subjects
Sentences where the subject is unclear or ambiguous can confuse the reader.- Example: “When flying low, birds can be seen.” (Is it the birds or the observer who is flying low?)
- Dangling Modifiers
A dangling modifier occurs when a descriptive word or phrase doesn’t clearly refer to the subject.- Incorrect: “While walking through the park, the trees were beautiful.” (Who is walking?)
- Correct: “While walking through the park, I saw the beautiful trees.”
How to Identify the Subject
To find the subject in a sentence:
- Ask ‘Who?’ or ‘What?’
Identify the main noun or pronoun performing the action or being described.- Example: “The children are playing.” (Who are playing? “The children.”)
- Look for the Verb
The subject is usually the noun or pronoun that comes before the verb and performs the action.- Example: “The car stopped suddenly.” (What stopped? “The car.”)
Conclusion
The subject is an essential element in every sentence, providing the “who” or “what” that the sentence revolves around. Understanding how to identify, use, and ensure agreement with the subject is key to crafting grammatically correct and clear sentences. By mastering the subject, you enhance your ability to write with precision and clarity.