Subject in English Grammar: Definition, Use and Examples

Every language is composed of words, phrases and clauses that help in the construction of sentences. However, when you start learning a new language, the first thing you will be learning is that a sentence contains a subject and a predicate. In this article, you will be introduced to what a subject is, its meaning and definition, how it is used and the points to be remembered when constructing sentences along with examples to help you understand clearly.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Subject? – Meaning and Definition
• Identifying and Using a Subject in a Sentence – Points to Remember
• Examples of Subjects in Sentences
• Check Your Understanding of the Use of Subjects in Sentences
• Frequently Asked Questions on the Use of a Subject in a Sentence

What Is a Subject? – Meaning and Definition

A subject is any noun, pronoun or noun phrase that does the action in a sentence. It is most often found in the beginning of a sentence. Only if there are one or more adverbs or adjuncts in the beginning of a sentence does the position of the subject change. Let us also take a look at the definitions of a subject as provided by various dictionaries for a deeper understanding of what it is.

A subject, according to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, is defined as “a noun, noun phrase or pronoun representing the person or thing that performs the action of the verb (I in I sat down.), about which something is stated (the house in the house is very old) or, in a passive sentence, that is affected by the action of the verb (the tree in the tree was blown down in the storm)”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines a subject as “the person or thing that performs the action of a verb, or is joined to a description by a verb”.

The Collins Dictionary defines a subject as “the noun group that refers to the person or thing that is doing the action expressed by the verb”, and according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a subject is “a word or word group denoting that of which something is predicated”.

Identifying and Using a Subject in a Sentence – Points to Remember

As already discussed, a subject is the noun, pronoun or noun phrase that acts as the doer of the action in the sentence. When using a subject in a sentence, there are a few points that you have to bear in mind. Take a look at them.

• Subjects are normally found to be the word/word group that starts off a sentence. This is the case with assertive/declarative sentences.
• Subjects seem to appear in different positions in interrogative sentences. In interrogative sentences, the position of the subject and the verb is reversed.
• Imperative sentences, however, do not take a subject.
• Exclamatory sentences, when used with interjections, can be seen to have a subject after the interjection.
• Multiple subjects, also called compound subjects can be used in a sentence.
• Compound sentences and complex sentences can have different subjects performing different actions simultaneously.
• Gerunds can also perform the role of a subject in a sentence.

Examples of Subjects in Sentences

Here are a few examples of sentences containing subjects for your reference.

• Cathy will be baking the cake for the birthday party.
• The postman has not been seen for a few days now.
• You have cleared the examination.
• Did she find the book she was looking for?
• Rachel and Monica are my best friends.
• Will your father be here on time?
• Every week, we have at least one meal together.
• The English teacher taught us how to use the different parts of speech.
• Tina and Mike will be performing ‘I Can’t Sing’ today.
• Wearing masks and using sanitizers will help you stay safe during this pandemic.

Check Your Understanding of the Use of Subjects in Sentences

Go through the following sentences and identify the subjects in them.

1. The band performed all the hit songs of the 90s.

2. The Youth Association has brought some changes in the rules and regulations regarding the events performed at various occasions.

3. On Fridays, all students are allowed to wear casual clothes.

4. My mother cooks while my father cleans the house.

5. The mobile I bought recently is not working properly.

6. Your diamond necklace looks amazing.

7. Will Norah and Ashraff be coming to school tomorrow?

8. Madhumitha and Srinivasan were planning to go to Shimla for the holidays.

9. Learning grammar and working out grammar worksheets can help you improve your English language.

10. ‘Do re mi’ is one of the most loved songs by all children and adults alike.

Find out if you have identified the subjects in sentences accurately from the answers given below.

1. The band performed all the hit songs of the 90s.

2. The Youth Association has brought some changes in the rules and regulations regarding the events performed at various occasions.

3. On Fridays, all students are allowed to wear casual clothes.

4. My mother cooks while my father cleans the house.

5. The mobile I bought recently is not working properly.

6. Your diamond necklace looks amazing.

7. Will Norah and Ashraff be coming to school tomorrow?

8. Madhumitha and Srinivasan were planning to go to Shimla for the holidays.

9. Learning grammar and working out grammar worksheets can help you improve your English language.

10. ‘Do re mi’ is one of the most loved songs by all children and adults alike.