Simple Subject

Understanding the Simple Subject

Definition: The simple subject is the central noun or pronoun performing the action or serving as the topic of the sentence. It excludes modifiers or additional descriptive elements.

• Example: In “The bird sings,” the simple subject is “bird.”

Determining the Simple Subject: To find the simple subject, ask, “Who or what is performing the action?” or “Who or what is the sentence about?”

• Example: In “The brave soldier marched forward,” the simple subject is “soldier.”

Why the Simple Subject Matters

Subject-Verb Agreement: The simple subject dictates the verb form. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.

• Example: “The boy runs fast” (singular) versus “The boys run fast” (plural).

Modifiers: The simple subject may be accompanied by adjectives or phrases that enhance its meaning, but these modifiers are not part of the simple subject.

• Example: In “The energetic puppy barked loudly,” the simple subject is “puppy,” excluding “The energetic.”

Sentence Types: Declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences can alter word order but do not change the identity of the simple subject.

• Example: “Where is the book?” (Simple subject: “book”)

Examples of Simple Subjects

• Sentence: “The cat jumped over the fence.”
  Simple Subject: cat
  Explanation: “Cat” is the main noun performing the action of jumping.
• Sentence: “She paints beautifully.”
  Simple Subject: She
  Explanation: “She” is the pronoun performing the action of painting.
• Sentence: “Trains move swiftly on the tracks.”
  Simple Subject: Trains
  Explanation: “Trains” is the plural noun performing the action of moving.
• Sentence: “The moon glows softly at night.”
  Simple Subject: moon
  Explanation: “Moon” is the noun performing the action of glowing.
• Sentence: “They enjoy outdoor adventures.”
  Simple Subject: They
  Explanation: “They” is the pronoun performing the action of enjoying.
• Sentence: “Emma writes captivating stories.”
  Simple Subject: Emma
  Explanation: “Emma” is the proper noun performing the action of writing.
• Sentence: “The children laugh in the playground.”
  Simple Subject: children
  Explanation: “Children” is the noun performing the action of laughing.
• Sentence: “The breeze whispers through the trees.”
  Simple Subject: breeze
  Explanation: “Breeze” is the noun performing the action of whispering.

The simple subject is the nucleus of a sentence, encapsulating its main idea or actor.