We have already learned that a sentence has two parts – the subject and the predicate.
The subject may consist of one word or several words. When it consists of just one word, that word is usually a noun, a pronoun or an –ing form.
When the subject consists of several words, there is always one word in it which is more important than the other words. The most important word in the subject is called the subject word or simple subject.
Consider the sentence given below.
My little sister is quite fond of puppies.
Here the subject consists of three words – my little sister, but the subject word is the noun sister.
The subject word is always a noun or a word or phrase that serves the same purpose as a noun.
She tried her best. (Here the subject word ‘she’ is a pronoun.)
Barking dogs seldom bite. (Here the subject word ‘dogs’ is a noun.)
Talking too much is a sign of vanity. (Subject – talking too much; subject word – talking)
To find fault with others is easy. (Subject – to find fault with others; subject word – to find fault)
The subject word can be qualified by an adjective or another word/phrase that serves the same purpose as an adjective.
The word or phrase that qualifies the subject is called its enlargement or attribute.
Janet’s father is an architect. (Subject – Janet’s father; subject word – father; enlargement – Janet’s)
His desire to excel is commendable. (Subject – his desire to excel; subject word – desire; attributes – his, to excel)