English Grammar Understanding the Basics - Evelyn P. Altenberg, Robert M. Vago 2010
Lesson 38: Subjects
Unit 13: Subjects and objects
Part II: Kinds of phrases
Sentences may contain several noun phrases. These noun phrases can have different jobs, or functions, within the sentence. Take a look at the following sentence:
On Valentine’s Day, my brother bought a bouquet of flowers for his wife.
The underlined noun phrases are doing different things: my brother is doing the action, a bouquet of flowers is receiving the action, and his wife is receiving the flowers. In the lessons of this unit, we discuss in detail these grammatical functions (or grammatical relations).
Lesson 38: Subjects
We can identify the subject of a sentence with an action verb (see Lesson 9) by answering the question: ’’Who is doing the action?’’ For example, in the sentence Confucius spoke many words of wisdom, the action is speaking. Who is, or was, doing the speaking? Confucius. Confucius is therefore the subject of the sentence. The subjects are underlined in the following examples:
1. John baked a cake.
2. You are going to grin and bear it.
3. Just then, the children walked in.
4. He delivered a small package.
5. Mr. Bucknose, the carpenter, sleeps in the spare room.
6. Wearily, the group trudged onward.
7. I usually take a nap in the afternoon.
Generally, the subject is at or near the beginning of the sentence. More specifically, the subject is the first noun phrase (see Lesson 28) in the sentence.
Quick tip 38.1
If the main verb of the sentence is an action verb, the subject of the sentence is the doer of the action and generally comes before the verb. It can be found by answering the question: ’’Who or what is doing the action?’’
Test yourself 38.1
Underline the subject in each of the sentences below. In these sentences, it will always be the doer of the action and will be the first noun phrase in the sentence.
Sample: Jeanette demanded an answer to her question.
Getting started (answers on p. 189)
1. The servant accompanied His Lordship.
2. Jean participated in the Tour de France.
3. Such families have often preferred to travel in style.
4. They could do nothing except run.
5. Mr. Tower quietly explained all this to his son.
More practice (answers on the website)
6. The diners are arguing loudly.
7. Your uncle invited me to accompany him on his business trip.
8. The Yankees won the World Series many times.
9. Macy’s is holding a huge sale next Sunday.
10. The TV repairman has just arrived.
The subject is underlined in the following sentences:
8. John is tall.
9. That church is impressive.
10. Both brothers became architects.
11. Earlier, she had felt dizzy.
In these sentences, the subject is not performing an action - the verb is not an action verb. Rather, the verb is a linking verb (see Lesson 9). When the verb in the sentence is a linking verb, the subject can be found by asking the question: ’’Who or what is this sentence about?’’ In these cases, the subject is found at or near the beginning of the sentence, before the verb.
Quick tip 38.2
If the main verb of the sentence is a linking verb, the subject is who or what the sentence is about; the subject is found before the verb.
Test yourself 38.2
Underline the subject in each of the sentences below. In these sentences, it will always be who or what the sentence is about and will be the first noun phrase in the sentence.
Sample: The professor was imprisoned for his beliefs.
Getting started (answers on p.189)
1. The Hotel Regina is an attractive place.
2. It became the best-known symbol of Paris.
3. The local merchants were on his side.
4. Charles looked thoughtful.
5. Christine seemed insecure.
More practice (answers on the website)
6. She was determined to meet Dr. Richards again.
7. His older sister resembled her father, unfortunately.
8. Her folks are good people.
9. My son is destined for success as an attorney.
10. Their apology seems genuine.
Test yourself 38.3
Underline the subject in each of the sentences below. In these sentences, it will either be the doer of the action or who or what the sentence is about. The subject will be the first noun phrase in the sentence.
Sample: These proportions are inaccurate.
Getting started (answers on p.189)
1. The editor looked for new ideas for the magazine.
2. You can rely on the experts at that company.
3. Maggie usually goes berry picking in the summer.
4. Roger is happy with his new computer.
5. The workers went on strike for a couple of weeks.
More practice (answers on the website)
6. Alana’s hair smells fresh.
7. I got there on time.
8. They postponed the ball game on account of bad weather.
9. Bowling is a favorite pastime of mine.
10. Some students missed the final exam.
The subject is not always right at the beginning of the sentence:
12. In the afternoon, I usually take a nap.
13. In truth, Don Diego had never really had a career.
14. That day, his timing was perfect.
15. When in the country, Jack was up before dawn.
In each of these sentences, the subject is preceded by an adverb (see Lesson 27) or adverbial clause, a group of words typically giving information about time, place, or manner.
Test yourself 38.4
Underline the subject in each of the sentences below. The subject will not necessarily be the first noun phrase in the sentence.
Sample: By late afternoon, he is usually exhausted.
Getting started (answers on p. 189)
1. After that, their neighbor came more often to help them.
2. Fortunately, that university program is accredited.
3. In the morning, I’m planting those flowers.
4. Eventually, Mr. Mulligan broke the silence.
5. While running for office, the candidate campaigned vigorously.
More practice (answers on the website)
6. Generally speaking, they don’t know many foreign languages.
7. Dr. Wright’s chauffeur drove him to the clinic.
8. For many reasons, Michael prefers to live in the suburbs.
9. This movie lasted a long time.
10. Exciting times are much more memorable than boring ones.