Definition:
The subject is the person, thing, or entity that performs the action in a sentence or about whom something is stated.
Characteristics:
- The subject usually comes before the verb in a sentence.
- It answers the question “who” or “what” before the verb.
- The subject can be a single word, a phrase, or even a clause.
Simple Subject:
Definition: The main noun or pronoun in the subject.
Example :
- Dogs bark loudly at night.
In this sentence, “dogs” is the simple subject because it is the main noun performing the action “bark”.
2. She plays the piano beautifully.
“She” is the simple subject here, as it is the main noun performing the action “plays”.
3. Birds fly.
In this sentence, “birds” is the simple subject, as it is the noun performing the action “fly”.
4. She laughs uncontrollably.
“She” is the simple subject here, as it is the pronoun performing the action “laughs”.
5. The sun shines brightly.
Here, “the sun” is the simple subject, as it is the noun performing the action “shines”.
6. Children play in the park.
In this sentence, “children” is the simple subject, as it is the noun performing the action “play”.
7. He studies diligently.
“He” is the simple subject here, as it is the pronoun performing the action “studies”.
Compound Subject:
Definition: When two or more subjects share the same verb.
Example
- Maria and John sing together in the choir.
In this sentence, “Maria” and “John” together form the compound subject because they are both performing the action “sing”.
2. The cat and the dog chase each other around the yard.
Here, “the cat” and “the dog” make up the compound subject because they both participate in the action “chase”.
3. Tom and Jerry are good friends.
In this sentence, “Tom” and “Jerry” together form the compound subject because they both participate in the action “are”.
4. The cat and the dog chase each other around the yard.
Here, “the cat” and “the dog” make up the compound subject because they both participate in the action “chase”.
5. My parents and I are going on vacation.
“My parents” and “I” together form the compound subject, participating in the action “are going”.
6. Alice and Bob won the competition.
In this sentence, “Alice” and “Bob” together form the compound subject because they both participate in the action “won”.
7. The teacher and the students are excited about the field trip.
Here, “the teacher” and “the students” make up the compound subject, participating in the action “are excited”.
Implied Subject:
Definition: When the subject is understood but not explicitly stated.
Example
- Go to bed.
The subject “you” is implied in this command. The sentence is addressing someone directly, instructing them to go to bed.
2. Enjoy your meal.
The subject “you” is implied here as well. The sentence is a direct instruction to the listener to enjoy their meal.
3. Take your time.
The subject “you” is implied in this command. The sentence is addressing someone directly, instructing them to take their time.
4. Enjoy your vacation.
The subject “you” is implied here as well. The sentence is a direct instruction to the listener to enjoy their vacation.
5. Be careful.
Here, the subject “you” is implied, as the sentence is a command directing someone to be careful.
6. Stop making noise.
The subject “you” is implied in this command. The sentence is addressing someone directly, instructing them to stop making noise.
7. Listen to what I’m saying.
Here, the subject “you” is implied, as the sentence is a directive to listen to the speaker.
Complex Subjects:
Definition: When the subject consists of a noun phrase, gerund phrase, or clause.
Example
- Running every morning is good exercise.
“Running every morning” functions as the subject here, acting as a gerund phrase.
2. What you said yesterday upset her.
“What you said yesterday” serves as the subject in this sentence, acting as a noun clause.
3. Eating fruits and vegetables is important for good health.
“Eating fruits and vegetables” serves as the subject in this sentence, acting as a gerund phrase.
4. What you said yesterday upset her.
“What you said yesterday” serves as the subject in this sentence, acting as a noun clause.
5. To win the game requires skill and determination.
“To win the game” acts as the subject here, functioning as an infinitive phrase.
6. That she arrived late caused a disruption.
“That she arrived late” serves as the subject in this sentence, acting as a noun clause.
7. Swimming in the ocean is my favorite activity.
“Swimming in the ocean” functions as the subject in this sentence, acting as a gerund phrase.
Understanding the nuances of subjects in sentences allows for clearer communication and helps in identifying the main focus or performer of the action.
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