Subject of Verb

The subject of a verb is the noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that performs the action or is described by the verb in a sentence.

Understanding the functions of subjects is essential for constructing clear, coherent, and grammatically correct sentences. The subject provides context and helps convey the intended meaning of the sentence. Here are the key points of subjects in sentences:

1. The subject is what the sentence is about. The subject is a fundamental component of a sentence, and the verb often agrees with it in terms of number and person.

Example:

    • Malaria is a mosquito borne disease.
    • Denmark is a rich country.

    2. Subject of an active action verb does the action. It answers the question "Who is doing the action?"

    Example:

    • John reads books.
    • The chef prepared a delicious meal.
    3. The subject of a passive verb receives the action of the verb rather than performing it.
    Examples:
    • Rice is eaten mainly in Asia.
    • Rome was not built in a day.
    • The letter was written by Sarah.

    4. In questions, the subject helps identify the person or thing being asked about.

    Example:

    • Who sang the song?

    5. The subject-verb agreement is crucial for grammatical correctness. The verb form depends on the characteristics of the subject, such as number and person.

    Example:

    • She is a talented artist.

    6. The subject often appears at the beginning of a sentence and introduces the topic in a sentence. In other words, subject tells us what the sentence is about. 

    Example:

    • Rainbows appear after a rainstorm.

    7. The subject may be implied or understood, especially in imperative sentences.

    Example:

    • (You) Close the door.

    Which parts of speech can function as subject?

    The subject can be a single noun, a pronoun, or a more complex noun phrase that includes modifiers. Here are some examples:

    1. Nouns: A noun, which is a person, place, thing, or idea, can function as the subject.

    Example:

    • Dogs bark loudly.

    2. Pronouns: Pronouns take the place of nouns and can serve as the subject.

    Example:

    • She is a talented musician.

    3. Gerunds: Gerunds are verb forms ending in "-ing" that function as nouns. They can serve as the subject.

    Example:

    • Swimming is my favorite hobby.

    4. Infinitives: Infinitives, which are the base form of a verb (e.g., to run, to eat), can function as the subject.

    Example:

    • To read is enjoyable.

    5. Noun Phrases: A noun phrase consists of a noun and its modifiers. The entire noun phrase can serve as the subject.

    Example:

    • The old oak tree provides shade in the park.

    6. Clauses: A clause with its own subject and verb can function as the subject of a larger sentence.

    Example:

    • What he said surprised everyone.

    7. Expletives (Dummy Subjects): The pronouns "it" or "there" are sometimes used as placeholders at the beginning of a sentence, and the true subject follows.

    Example:

    • It is raining.