a subject is the person, place, thing, or topic of a sentence about which a writer expresses a...

Subjects…Identifying the parts of speech

Subjects…

A subject is the person, place, thing, or topic of a sentence about which a writer expresses a thought.

Another way to think about subjects…

A SUBJECT does the action in the sentence or is identified by what action is taking place.

A VERB is the action in the sentence.› An OBJECT receives the action.

For example: Sam finished his homework.

Subjects…

Sam = subject› “Sam” is the subject of the sentence. He

is doing the action Finished = verb

› “finished” is the verb of the sentence. The verb is the action taking place.

His homework = object› “his homework is the object of the

sentence. The object receives the action or the object is acted upon.

Subjects…

There are three common types of subjects based on the writer’s thought or point.

1. Simple subjects2. Action/Being Subjects3. Compound Subjects

Subjects…

How do I identify the subject of a sentence?

Subjects…

To identify the subject of a sentence, ask yourself the following questions.

1. Who or what did the action?2. Who or what is being described?3. What is the topic being discussed here?4. Where are the prepositional phrases?

What are secondary details of the sentence?

5. What is the verb of the sentence?

Simple Subjects…

Simple Subject:› A single person, place, object, or topic is

the focus of though.

› Example 1 – Wilma Mankiller served as the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1985-1995. (Identify the subject of the sentence.)

Simple Subjects…

Simple Subject:› A group of words express the focus of

thought.

› Example 2 – What the government knows about the assassination of President Kennedy is still a matter of debate. (identify the subject of the sentence.)

Simple Subjects…

Simple Subject:› A suggestion, command, or order is the

focus of thought.

› Example 3 – Make a difference by voting. (identify the subject of the sentence.)

When there is a ‘suggestion’ or ‘command’ the “you” is understood, but not stated. Since the subject of the sentence ‘you’ is not stated, the sentence becomes a command.

Action/Being Subjects…

Action/Being subject:› An action word ending with –ing is the

point of a focused thought.

› Example 1 – Laughing reduces stress. (Identify the ‘action/subject’ in the

sentence.)

Action/Being subject…

Action/Being subject:› A state of being word ending with –ing is

the point of a focused thought.

› Example – For many Mexican immigrants, living in the United States during the 21st century increases economic opportunities. (identify the action/subject of the sentence.)

Compound Subjects…

Compound Subject: › Two or more people, places, objects, or

topics are the subjects of a focused thought.

› Example - Florida, Texas, and California lead the national growth of online banking. (Identify the subject of the sentence.)

Subjects, verbs, and the simple sentence…

That was really interesting…

Subjects…

In summary, there are three common types of subjects that illustrate a writer’s thought or point.

1. Simple subjects2. Action/Being Subjects3. Compound Subjects

Write sentences…

Write three sentences using each of the common types of subjects based on a thought or a point you want to make

1. Simple subjectsFor example: Nurses use their training.

2. Action/Being SubjectsFor example: Laughing reduces stress.

3. Compound SubjectsFor example: Jogging and swimming are good for your health.

Send me your sentences to my email (sowings@highline.edu). I will review the sentences and return them with my corrections , along with two extra credit points.

Subjects, verbs, and the simple sentence…

What should I do if I want more practice writing simple sentences and identifying and the subjects in a sentence?

Subjects, verbs, and the simple sentence…

Click on the link and visit “ My Writing Lab.” Ask me for more details.