1. It's the "doer" or "be-er"
* Action verbs: The subject performs the action of the verb. Example: The dog *barked*.
* Linking verbs: The subject describes the state of being. Example: She *is* *happy*.
2. It determines verb agreement
The verb in a sentence must agree with the subject in number (singular or plural). Example: *The dog barks* (singular subject, singular verb), but *The dogs bark* (plural subject, plural verb).
3. It clarifies meaning
Without a clear subject, sentences can be confusing or ambiguous. Example: "Ran quickly" could mean anything! But "The cheetah ran quickly" clearly identifies the subject and action.
4. It forms the foundation of a sentence
The subject is the starting point of the sentence. It establishes the topic and sets up the rest of the information.
5. It helps with clarity and precision
A well-defined subject helps to make your writing clearer and more concise. Avoid overly long or complex subjects that can make your sentences hard to follow.
In summary: The subject is the backbone of a sentence. It tells us who or what is doing or being something, and helps us understand the meaning of the sentence as a whole.