Total Apex University Logo

Understanding Sentence Subjects

1. What Is the Subject of a Sentence?

The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action or is being described in the sentence.

It answers the question:

Who or what is this sentence about?

Examples

  • The team won the game.
  • The article went viral.
  • The update fixed the bug.

The subject is the anchor of the sentence — everything else revolves around it.

2. Types of Subjects

Writers need to recognize all forms, especially in complex sentences.

A. Simple Subject

The main noun or pronoun the sentence is about.

  • The player scored.

B. Complete Subject

The simple subject + all its modifiers.

  • The veteran NBA player scored.

C. Compound Subject

Two or more subjects performing the same action.

  • Dusty and the editors approved the workflow.

D. Implied Subject

Often used in commands, the subject “you” is understood.

  • Close the door. (You close the door.)

E. Delayed Subject

Appears later in the sentence, often after introductory words.

There are three new updates available.  

  • (Real subject: updates)

3. How to Identify the Subject (Contributor‑Safe Method)

Writers should use this quick test:

Step 1: Find the verb.

Step 2: Ask “Who or what is performing this action?”

Step 3: That answer is the subject.

Example:

The new TikTok trend gained millions of views.

  • Verb: gained
  • Who gained? → trend
  • Subject: trend

This prevents confusion and ensures clarity.

4. Why the Subject Matters in Professional Writing

This is where it ties directly into AP Style, SEO, and Total Apex editorial standards.

A. Clarity for Readers

If the subject is unclear, the entire sentence collapses.

Bad:

It was announced that the update was released.  

Who announced it?

Better:

Apple announced the update on Friday.

Clear subject = clear meaning.

B. Strong SEO Signals

Google needs to understand:

  • Who the sentence is about
  • What the main entity is
  • How it relates to the topic

Example:

Weak: It went viral.  

Strong: The TikTok challenge went viral after trending worldwide.

Specific subjects improve:

  • Search intent matching
  • Entity recognition
  • Featured snippet potential

C. Active Voice Depends on the Subject

Active voice = subject performs the action.

Passive voice = subject receives the action.

Active:

The company released the report.  

Passive:

The report was released by the company.

AP Style prefers active voice because it is:

  • Clear
  • Direct
  • Efficient

D. Preventing Ambiguity

Writers must avoid unclear or shifting subjects.

Bad:

When the player met the coach, he said the strategy was flawed.  

Who is “he”?

Good:

When the player met the coach, the coach said the strategy was flawed.

5. Common Subject Errors Writers Must Avoid

A. Starting with “There is/There are”

This delays the subject and weakens the sentence.

Weak:

There are many fans waiting outside.  

Strong:

Many fans are waiting outside.

B. Using Vague Subjects

Avoid: It, this, that, these, those without clear reference.

Weak:

This caused confusion.  

Strong:

The policy change caused confusion.

C. Subject–Verb Disagreement

The subject must match the verb in number.

Wrong:

The list of updates are long.  

Right:

The list of updates is long.

D. Buried Subjects

Writers sometimes hide the subject behind long phrases.

Weak:

After reviewing the data from multiple sources, it was clear that the team needed help.  

Who needed help?

Strong:

After reviewing the data from multiple sources, the team realized it needed help.

6. Examples in Real Article Writing

Before (Weak)

It was reported that the game was delayed.

After (Strong)

The NFL announced that the game was delayed due to weather.

Clear subject.

Clear action.

AP‑Style compliant.

SEO‑friendly.

Another Example

Before:  

There are rumors that the actor might return.

After:  

Rumors suggest the actor might return for the sequel.

Cleaner.

More direct.

Better for Google.

7. Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

The subject is the core of every sentence.

Mastering subjects leads to:

  • Clearer writing
  • Stronger SEO
  • Better AP‑Style compliance
  • More professional articles
  • Fewer editing corrections

If writers can identify and control the subject, they can control the clarity and impact of the entire article.