The Subject

In order to understand the basic structure of a sentence, it is imperative to understand the parts of a sentence. The in-depth analysis and explanation will be seen in further chapters. Here we will split all the parts one by one with their basic definitions and examples. Read carefully every part and try maximum practice to master.

The subject of a sentence is one of the most important parts of a sentence. If it is not understood clearly, students usually don’t stop making mistakes. For your convenience, the term is defined and explained in different ways. Try to learn either all of them or one of them which makes you clear the concept.

1- The subject of a sentence is a word or a group of words referring a person, place, thing, or idea about which something is said in a sentence.

2- The subject of a sentence is the person, thing, place, or idea about which a statement is made or a question is asked.

3- The subject is the part of a sentence that tells “What is the sentence about?” or “Who or what performs the action?”

4- The subject is the part of the sentence that tells “who” or “what” the sentence is about.

5- In its simplest form, the subject refers to the doer of the action or to what (or whom) the sentence is all about. It can either be a person, a place, a thing, or an idea and can come in the form of a noun or a pronoun.

6- In other words, the subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that either doing something or being something in a sentence.

l If it is doing something, it takes an action verb. Moreover, it answers us who performs the action.

l If it is being something, it takes linking verb, and answers us “who” or “what” the sentence is about.

Examples:

1- Ali runs.

In this example, the doer of the action “run” is the noun “Ali”. In other words, who runs? Ali. That is why Ali is the subject of this sentence.

2- John swims.  

In this example, the doer of the action “swim” is the noun “John”. In other words, who swims? John. That is why John is the subject of this sentence.

3- Asia looked into the mirror.   

In this example, the doer of the action “look” is the noun “Asia”. In other words, who looked into the mirror? Asia. That is why Asia is the subject of this sentence.

4- we are extremely satisfied with your coaching.

In this example, the state of being is expressed or described. Here, the pronoun “we” is being described by the linking verb “are”. In other words, who are extremely satisfied with your coaching? We. That is why pronoun “We” is the subject of this sentence.

5- She looks pretty. She is pretty.    

In this example, the state of being is expressed or described. Here, the pronoun “she” is being described by the linking verb “looks and is”. In other words, who is pretty?/ who looks pretty? She. That is why pronoun “she” is the subject in both of the sentences.

6- Ali and Ken went to the school.

In this example, the doer of the action “went” are both “Ali” and “Ken”. Therefore, both of them are the subjects in this example.

7- The tall and strong man won the fight.

In this example, the doer of the action “win” is a group of the words (or a noun phrase) “The tall and strong man”. In other words who won the fight? The tall and strong man. That is why a group of words (or a noun phrase) is the subject of this sentence.

Points to remember: 

1. The subject of a sentence is the person, thing, place, or idea about which a statement is made or a question is asked.

2. The subject of the sentence can be noun, pronoun, or a group of words/a noun phrase (acting as a noun) that either performs an action or tells about whom or of which something is said in a sentence.

3. Every subject can be a noun or pronoun, but every noun or pronoun can’t be a subject. The subject is always an action doer; whereas, noun or pronoun can be an action doer or being something.

Examples:

Subject	Verb/Predicate
1- John	Swims.
2- Aisha	Looked into the mirror.
3- Nadeem	Is correct in his prediction.
4- Adela	Is teaching.
5- Novaira	Is an economist.
6- He	Serves in the army.
7- The hermit	Lives in the jungle.
8- The muscular boy	Lifted the table.
9- A brave man	Is needed for this job.
10- The mighty army	Saved its country.
11- The captain along with his crew	Was happy.
12- Eid and new year	Are my favorite holidays.
13- Nadeem	Jumped over the fence.
14- Mama	Is preparing our meal.
15- My father	Bought me this watch.
16- Educated men	Are always appreciated in the world.
17- From Atlantic to Arabian seas, weather	Was not same.
18- To do the things properly, you	Should work hard.

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