SUBJECT

SUBJECT

A **subject** is one of the key components of a sentence. It tells who or what the sentence is about. In English, the subject typically performs the action of the verb or is described by the verb.

### **Types of Subjects:**

1. **Simple Subject:**

   - The main noun or pronoun that the sentence is about.

   - **Example:** *The cat* sleeps on the sofa.

   - In this sentence, *cat* is the simple subject.

2. **Complete Subject:**

   - The simple subject along with all its modifiers (adjectives, articles, or descriptive phrases).

   - **Example:** *The big, fluffy cat* sleeps on the sofa.

   - Here, *The big, fluffy cat* is the complete subject.

3. **Compound Subject:**

   - When two or more subjects share the same verb.

   - **Example:** *John and Mary* are going to the party.

   - In this sentence, both *John* and *Mary* are the compound subject.

### **Subjects in Sentences:**

1. **Nouns as Subjects:**

   - A noun is commonly used as a subject.

   - **Example:** *The dog* barked loudly.

   

2. **Pronouns as Subjects:**

   - A pronoun can also serve as the subject, taking the place of a noun.

   - **Example:** *She* runs every morning.

3. **Gerunds as Subjects:**

   - A gerund, which is a verb form ending in *-ing*, can function as a subject.

   - **Example:** *Swimming* is fun.

4. **Infinitives as Subjects:**

   - An infinitive (to + verb) can serve as the subject of a sentence.

   - **Example:** *To read* is my favorite hobby.

### **Position of the Subject:**

In most English sentences, the subject comes before the verb. However, in some cases, especially questions or sentences with commands, the subject may be implied or come after the verb.

1. **Standard Word Order:**

   - The subject usually comes first.

   - **Example:** *The teacher* explains the lesson.

2. **Inverted Word Order:**

   - In questions or other special sentence structures, the subject may come after the verb.

   - **Example:** *Where* is the teacher?

3. **Implied Subject:**

   - In commands or requests, the subject *you* is often implied and not explicitly stated.

   - **Example:** *Close the door.* (The implied subject is *you*.)

### **Subject-Verb Agreement:**

It’s essential that the subject agrees with the verb in number (singular or plural).

- **Singular Subject + Singular Verb:** *The dog barks.*

- **Plural Subject + Plural Verb:** *The dogs bark.*

In sentences, the subject helps the reader understand who or what is performing the action, making it an essential element for clear communication.