Subjects VS Objects in Basic English Sentences

In this lesson, we’re going to talk about the difference between subjects and objects in basic English sentences. It is important to identify the subject of a sentence so you know who or what the sentence is about.

What are Subjects and Objects?

The subject of a sentence is the person or thing that is doing the action.
The object of a sentence is the person or thing that is receiving the action.

Examples:

• The boy ate the cake.
  • The boy = subject
  • The cake = object
• Kent kicked the ball in the park.
  • Kent = subject
  • The ball = object

Subjects in Detail

The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action in a sentence. A noun is a person, a place, or a thing. The subject usually comes before the verb in a sentence. Identifying the subject helps us understand who or what the sentence is about.

Examples:

• The cat climbs the tree.
  • Subject: The cat
• Mary is studying for her exams.
  • Subject: Mary
• They are watching a movie at the cinema.
  • Subject: They
• It is a beautiful day.
  • Subject: It

Objects in Detail

The object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action in a sentence. The object usually comes after the verb in a sentence. Identifying the object helps us understand to whom or what the action is being done to.

Examples:

The cat climbed the tree. Object: The tree
She bought a book at the bookstore. Object: Book
They invited us to the party. Object: Us
She loves him deeply. Object: Him

Sentence Structure: Subject-Verb-Object

The subject-verb-object sentence structure is a common pattern used in English sentences. It follows the order of subject, verb, and object.

Examples:

• The cat chased the mouse.
  • Subject: The cat, Verb: Chased, Object: The mouse
• My parents are having dinner.
  • Subject: My parents, Verb: Are having, Object: Dinner
• He wrote a letter.
  • Subject: He, Verb: Wrote, Object: A letter
• The girls are building a sandcastle.
  • Subject: The girls, Verb: Are building, Object: A sandcastle

English Grammar Quiz: Identify Subjects and Objects

Now, let’s put your knowledge to the test with a quiz. Identify the subjects and objects in the following sentences:

1. We visited the museum last weekend.
2. Kim is playing the piano.
3. My niece painted a beautiful picture.
4. The dog barked loudly.
5. Dad is washing the dishes.
6. The children ate the cookies.

Watch my lesson on Subjects VS Pronouns on Sparkle English to see the answers to this quiz!