1.
Subject
What is the Subject and its
Function?
In
its simplest sense, the subject refers to the doer of the action or to what (or
whom) the sentence is all about. It can either be a person, a place, a thing,
or an idea, and can come in the form of a noun or a pronoun. Take a look at
the examples below:
·
During the exam, Ramli
studied in his chair.
In
this example, the verb is “studied” and the doer of the action is the noun
“Ramli,” which is why he is the subject in this sentence.
·
Kyle and Peter
went to the library.
In
this sample sentence, “Kyle” and “Peter” are both the doers of the action
“went.” Therefore, both of them are the subjects in this example.
What are the Different Forms of
Subjects?
Listed below are some of the most important terms related to the
concept of the subject.
1. Complete Subject
The complete subject simply refers to:
·
The handsome man lifted the heavy table and transferred it to the other room.
In this example, the doer of the italicized verbs “lifted” and
“transferred” is the “man.” But if you’re asked to underline the complete
subject, you must also include the descriptive words (modifiers): “the” and
“handsome.” Therefore, the complete subject in this sentence is the whole
underlined part.
·
The big and nerd boy fell into the freezing
water.
In this sentence, the complete subject is “the big and nerd
boy,” because “boy” is the one who did the action “fell”. Take note that the
words before the word “boy” are just the modifiers or descriptive words that distinguish
this boy (in the sentence) from the other ladies.
2. Simple Subject
Basically, the simple subject refers to the noun or
pronoun which is being or doing something. Unlike the complete subject, this doesn’t require you
to include the descriptive words (modifiers)—just the main noun or pronoun will
do.
·
The intrepid superhero
saved the world.
The simple subject
in this sentence is the noun “superhero,” because he is the doer of the action
“saved”.
·
She is indeed the epitome of
kindness.
The
simple subject is the pronoun “she,” because it refers to the person being
talked about in this sentence.
3. Compound Subject
This term simply refers to two or more subjects in a single
sentence joined together by a connector.
·
"Java
jazz" and "Radio show" are my favorite festival.
This sample sentence is about two events namely, “Java jazz” and
“Radio show.” Therefore, these two nouns connected by the word “and” are
considered as the compound subject in this sentence.
What is the Easiest Way to Spot
the Subject in the Sentence?
If you are having difficulties figuring out what is
the subject in a sentence, an easy tip to remember is to identify theverb first. (Note: A verb refers to a word which expresses
an action or a state
of being.)
Once you have identified the verb, the next thing you should do
is ask the question “what” or “who” is doing this?
§
Billy jumped over the fence to escape the dog.
§
Step 1- Ask “What is the verb?”
§
The verb is the action word “jumped.”
§
Step 2- Ask ”Who jumped?” or
“What jumped?”
§
Since “Billy” jumped, he is the subject in the sentence.
From the simple steps mentioned,
you will be able to identify the subject without even breaking a sweat. Also,
you must know that there are times when the subject is not explicitly stated or
is not actually written in the sentence, such as in the examples below:
1.
Run!
2.
Please read the instructions carefully.
In sentences like those above,
which state a command or a request, it is understood that the subject who does
the italicized action words is “you.”
Final
Thoughts
A deep understanding of the
subject is very important for you to be able to form well-written compositions.
This is one of the most basic and fundamental concepts in grammar, so you really
have to get a good grasp on this topic before advancing to more complicated
ones. With the simple explanations, examples, and tips provided in this
article, studying this area shouldn’t be that hard at all.
2.
Verb
What is a verb?
A verb is one of the main parts of a sentence or question in
English. In fact, you can’t have a sentence or a question without a verb!
That’s how important these “action” parts of speech are.
The verb signals an action, an occurrence, or a state of being. Whether
mental, physical, or mechanical, verbs always express activity.
a)
Physical Verbs
Physical verbs are action verbs. They describe specific physical
actions. If you can create a motion with your body or use a tool to complete an
action, the word you use to describe it is most likely a physical verb.
Physical Verb
Examples
The physical verb examples in the following sentences are in
bold for easy identification.
- Let’s run to the field and back.
- I hear the beautiful voice.
- Call me when you’re finished with
contest.
b)
Mental Verbs –
Definition and Examples
Mental verbs have meanings that are related to concepts such as
discovering, understanding, thinking, or planning. In general, a mental verb
refers to a cognitive state.
Mental Verb Examples
The mental verb examples in the following sentences are in bold
for easy identification.
- I know the way to school.
- She recognized me from my mustache.
- Do you believe everything people tell you?
c)
States of
Being Verbs
Also known as linking verbs, state of being verbs describe
conditions or situations that exist. State of being verbs are inactive since no
action is being performed. These verbs are usually complemented by adjectives.
States of Being Verb
Examples
The state of being verbs in the following sentences are in bold
for easy identification.
- I am a doctor.
- We are football player.
- Please is quiet.
Types of Verbs
How many types of verbs are there? In addition to the main
categories of physical verbs, mental verbs, and state of being verbs, there are
several other types of verbs. In fact, there are more than ten different types
of verbs that are grouped by function.
List of all Verb
Types
Action verbs express specific actions, and are used any time you
want to show action or discuss someone doing something.
Transitive verbs are action verbs that always express doable
activities. These verbs always have direct objects, meaning someone or
something receives the action of the verb.
Intransitive verbs are action verbs that always express doable
activities. No direct object follows an intransitive verb.
Auxiliary verbs are also known as helping verbs, and are used
together with a main verb to show the verb’s tense or to form a question or
negative.
Stative verbs can be recognized because they express a state
rather than an action. They typically relate to thoughts, emotions,
relationships, senses, states of being, and measurements.
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that are used to express
abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations.
Phrasal verbs aren’t single words; instead, they are
combinations of words that are used together to take on a different meaning to
that of the original verb.
Irregular verbs are those that don’t take on the regular
spelling patterns of past simple and past participle verbs.
3.
Complement
Complement is the term used for a word (or
words) which are needed to complete the meaning of an expression. Most phrases
and clauses will include a complement of some kind. If you can't remove it from
your sentence, then it's likely to be a complement. This is how complements
differ fromadjuncts. Adjuncts are optional as they are usually just
descriptive. Complements are not optional. They are essential to ensure
understanding.
Example:
Sheila is a nurse
All of them seemed surprised.
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