Here's why:
* Pronouns: Pronouns can act as subjects, replacing nouns. For example: "She went to the store."
* Gerunds: Gerunds are verb forms ending in "-ing" that act as nouns. For example: "Swimming is my favorite activity."
* Infinitives: Infinitives (the "to" form of verbs) can act as subjects. For example: "To learn is a lifelong process."
* Clauses: Entire clauses can function as subjects. For example: "What you said made me think."
In essence, a subject is the part of a sentence that performs the action of the verb. The subject can be a noun, pronoun, gerund, infinitive, or clause.