What Is a Subject? – Meaning and Definition
A subject refers to any noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that performs the action in a sentence. Typically, it appears at the start of a sentence, except when adverbs or adjuncts are positioned first. Various dictionaries provide definitions to deepen our understanding:
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: A noun, noun phrase, or pronoun representing the doer of an action, the one about whom something is stated, or in passive voice, the one affected by the action.
- Cambridge Dictionary: The person or thing that performs the action of a verb or is linked to a description by a verb.
- Collins Dictionary: The noun group indicating the person or thing doing the action expressed by the verb.
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: A word or group of words that denotes what is being discussed or described.
Identifying and Using a Subject in a Sentence – Key Points
- In declarative sentences, subjects usually appear at the beginning.
- In interrogative sentences, the subject often follows the verb due to inversion.
- Imperative sentences generally omit the subject (it's implied).
- Exclamatory sentences may have the subject following an interjection.
- Sentences can feature compound subjects (multiple subjects).
- Compound and complex sentences may have different subjects performing different actions.
- Gerunds (verbs ending in -ing used as nouns) can act as subjects too.
Examples of Subjects in Sentences
- Cathy will bake the cake for the birthday party.
- The postman has not been seen for several days.
- You have passed the examination.
- Did she locate the book she was searching for?
- Rachel and Monica are my best friends.
- Will your father arrive on time?
- Every week, we enjoy at least one meal together.
- The English teacher explained the different parts of speech.
- Tina and Mike will perform ‘I Can’t Sing’ today.
- Wearing masks and using sanitizers helps maintain safety during the pandemic.
Check Your Understanding – Identify the Subjects
- The band performed all the hit songs of the 90s.
- The Youth Association has introduced new rules regarding event performances.
- On Fridays, all students can wear casual clothes.
- My mother cooks while my father cleans the house.
- The mobile I recently bought is not functioning properly.
- Your diamond necklace looks stunning.
- Will Norah and Ashraff attend school tomorrow?
- Madhumitha and Srinivasan planned a trip to Shimla for the holidays.
- Learning grammar and practicing worksheets will improve your English skills.
- ‘Do re mi’ is a favorite song among both children and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions on Subjects
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What is a subject?
A subject is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase performing the action in a sentence, typically positioned at the beginning.
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How is a subject defined?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a subject as the person or thing that performs an action or links to a description by a verb. The Collins Dictionary explains it as the noun group indicating the action-doer. Merriam-Webster defines it as a word or group of words about which something is said.
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How do you identify a subject in a sentence?
In most cases, the subject appears at the start of a sentence. Nouns, noun phrases, gerunds, or pronouns can all function as subjects.
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Can you provide examples of subjects?
- Wearing masks and using sanitizers helps ensure safety.
- My sister will pick you up if your mother buys groceries.
- The postman has not been seen for several days.
- You have successfully cleared the exam.
- Did she find the book she wanted?