Finding the Subject of a Sentence
All grammatically complete sentences, except for imperative sentences, contain stated subjects of verbs. Subjects may be singular or compound but must agree with the verb.
Example
Virginia and Maryland are in the east.
The boy and the girl went to see a movie.
The boy stayed after school.
The man went to the store to buy some milk.
To identify the grammatical subject of the sentence, find the verb and use the verb in a question, beginning with who or what.
Example
The two dogs in the cage barked.
Verb: barked
Who or what barked? The dogs barked.
Subject: dogs
Generally, subjects precede verbs in sentences. Common exceptions to this pattern are when subjects are used in questions and after the expletive there.
Example
Was the statement true? (verb + subject)
Did these refugees survive? (auxiliary + subject + verb)
There were no objections. (expletive + verb + subject)
Expletive – A signal of transformation in the structure of the sentence without changing the meaning. The expletive there shifts the order of subject and verb in the sentence.
Imperatives - A command or request. The subject you is understood in the sentence.
Try It!
What are the subjects in these sentences?
1. The children went outside to play after they have finished their homework.
2. Where were you this afternoon when I tried to call you?
3. For our vacation we are going to the beach.
4. Last year, it rained a lot in April.
5. My favorite holiday is Christmas because I love the giving nature it brings out in people.