The subject is the part of a clause that typically tells who or what the clause is about. In many English clauses, the subject determines the form of the verb.
Simple, complete, and compound subjects
In The keys on the counter are missing, the complete subject is the keys on the counter. The simple subject is keys, the main noun in that group. The plural keys takes are.
In Mina and Omar opened the store, Mina and Omar form a compound subject. Both names share the verb opened.
Where to find the subject
- Statements. In The room felt cold, the subject comes before the verb felt.
- Questions. In Did the train stop?, the subject follows the helping verb did.
- Commands. In Close the window, the understood subject is you.
- Passive sentences. In The window was repaired, the subject names what was repaired.
See predicate for the other main part of a clause and components of a sentence for a labeled example.
