Lesson 15 How to Identify a Subject or an Object in a Sentence

English Structures

How to Identify a Subject or an Object in a Sentence

Understanding how to identify the subject and object in a sentence is fundamental for mastering English grammar. The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action, while the object is the entity that is affected by the action. Let’s explore how to identify subjects and objects using various examples, including nouns, noun phrases, and pronouns.


1. Nouns as Subjects and Objects

A noun can function as both a subject and an object in a sentence.

Examples:

  • [Ahmed] learns [English].
  • Ali teaches [English].
  • [Maria] teaches [English].

2. Noun Phrases as Subjects and Objects

A noun phrase includes a noun and its modifiers.

Examples:

  • [The book referred by many motivational speakers around the world] has helped [the students].
  • [A great teacher from Pakistan] is teaching [English] to [the students from all over the world].
  • [A boy who recently completed an international course from England] teaches [English].

3. Pronouns as Subjects and Objects

Pronouns can also serve as subjects and objects.

Examples:

  • [I] teach [him].
  • [He] is teaching [it].
  • [She] is cooking [it].

Look at More Examples

Identifying Subjects and Objects in Simple Sentences

  • [He] is buying [a car].
  • [She] speaks nicely.

Identifying Subjects and Objects in Complex Sentences

  • [A tall boy] drank [very hot tea].
  • [A hardworking engineer] made [a tall building].

Real-World Examples

1.      Nouns:

    • [Ali] teaches [English].

2.      Noun Phrases:

    • [The book] is very helpful for [the students].
    • [A smart girl] cooked [tasty food].
    • [A man] was walking in a hot desert with [his camel].

3.      Pronouns:

    • [I] am teaching [you].
    • [He] is teaching [me].

Additional Tips

To easily identify the subject and object in a sentence, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the Verb: Identify the action word in the sentence.
  2. Find the Subject: Ask “who” or “what” is performing the action.
  3. Identify the Object: Ask “who” or “what” is receiving the action.

For example:

  • In the sentence “Ali teaches English”:
    • Verb: teaches
    • Subject: Ali (who teaches)
    • Object: English (what is being taught)
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