>> ZG·Lingua >  >> Applied Linguistics >> Second Language Acquisition

Is an understood subject first person?

It's not always easy to determine if an understood subject is first person. Here's why:

* "Understood subjects" are often implied, not stated. This means we have to infer the subject based on context.

* Context matters. The context of the sentence and the overall conversation will heavily influence what the understood subject is.

* First person isn't the only possibility. Understood subjects could be second person (you) or third person (he, she, it, they).

Here are some examples to illustrate:

* "Go to the store." This is a command, and the understood subject is *you*.

* "I'm going to the store." This clearly states the subject as *I*.

* "Leaving now." This is a very short sentence. The understood subject could be *I* (meaning *I am leaving now*) or *he/she* (meaning *He/she is leaving now*).

To determine the understood subject, consider:

* The form of the verb. Imperatives (commands) usually imply *you* as the subject.

* The context of the conversation. Who is speaking and who is being addressed?

* Previous sentences. If the sentence is part of a larger conversation, the previous sentences might reveal the subject.

In summary: While understood subjects can sometimes be first person, they can also be second or third person. There is no hard-and-fast rule, and you must rely on the context to determine the subject.

Copyright © www.zgghmh.com ZG·Lingua All rights reserved.