1. Infinitive Phrases as Subjects:
* Example: *To err is human.*
Here, the infinitive phrase "to err" acts as the subject of the sentence.
2. Gerund Phrases as Subjects:
* Example: *Swimming is my favorite activity.*
Here, the gerund phrase "swimming" functions as the subject.
3. Sentences with "It" as a Placeholder Subject:
* Example: *It is important to be honest.*
While "it" is the grammatical subject, the real subject is the infinitive phrase "to be honest." This is called an impersonal construction, and it's used when the true subject is a clause or phrase.
4. Sentences with "There" as a Placeholder Subject:
* Example: *There are many fish in the sea.*
In this case, "there" isn't the real subject, but rather a placeholder. The true subject is the noun phrase "many fish."
Important Notes:
* While verbs and verb phrases can be the subject, they cannot stand alone as the main verb of the sentence. They need a helping verb.
* The subject of a sentence always performs the action of the main verb.
Let me know if you'd like to explore any of these structures further!