0
Laborious Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

How to identify the subject of a sentence, please

Hi there teachers, 

Could you please tell me what is the best way for identifying the subject of a sentence? 

I visited some grammar sites to get some information of the topic. The sites say that when identifying the subject of a sentence, ask yourself who or what performed the verb that is given in the sentence. To identify the subject, first identify or locate the verb of the sentence. If you can identify or locate the verb of the sentence, then you can easily identify or locate the subject of the sentence. 

For example: The tall, dark stranger was singing.

And if apply the 'who or what performed the verb?' rule, then the subject is 'stranger'. But somebody told me that the subject is not just the 'stranger', it is the 'The tall, dark stranger' that is the subject. I'm confused now. Please help me understand this thing. 

Thank you all. 
  

Top answer

The terms "simple subject" and "complete subject" are apparently sometimes used to distinguish between these.

— GPY

  • The terms "simple subject" and "complete subject" are apparently sometimes used to distinguish between these.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

26 Answers
0
The terms "simple subject" and "complete subject" are apparently sometimes used to distinguish between these.
0
0
LaboriousBut somebody told me that the subject is not just the 'stranger', it is the 'The tall, dark stranger' that is the subject. I'm confused now. Please help me understand this thing.
That is correct. It may help to remember that noun phrases function as subject. The tall, dark stranger is a noun phrase with stranger as head. Very oft
0
0
GPYThe terms "simple subject" and "complete subject" are apparently sometimes used to distinguish between these.
And that's very important when trying to diagram a the sentence on a horizontal line. Stranger, with the, tall, and dark sticking out in different directions.
0
0
Philipimportant when trying to diagram a the sentence on a horizontal line.
But has anyone done that since the 1950's?
0
0
Laboriouswhat is the best way for identifying the subject of a sentence?
Practice on short, simple sentences first. Very often the first word or word group is the subject. Here are the subjects of your own sentences (in red):

I visited some grammar sites ...
The sites
0
0
Okay, first of all, heartily thanks to all who have replied.
Aspara GusThat is correct. It may help to remember that noun phrases function as subject. The tall, dark stranger is a noun phrase with stranger as head.
Okay, AG, but what's still confusing to me is the definition that those grammar sites give of a subject. They say that a subject is a word or a g
0
0
LaboriousThey say that a subject is a word or a group of words that performs the action
I have never seen a word perform an action. For me they just seem to sit there on the page doing nothing.
0
0
CalifJimPractice on short, simple sentences first. Very often the first word or word group is the subject. Here are the subjects of your own sentences (in red):
Thanks, CJ. That information, I'm sure, will help me in indentifying the subjects in sentences.
0
0
CalifJimI have never seen a word perform an action. For me they just seem to sit there on the page doing nothing.
0
0
Laboriousthe word that refers to the person whose name is Jerry. Is this right, teacher?
Right.

CJ
0

Related Questions