Ithy Logo

Formal Subjects in English Grammar

CPI Tino GrandΓ­o Bilingual Sections: Comparatives and superlatives in ...

Formal subjects play a pivotal role in the construction of grammatically accurate and stylistically effective sentences in English. They serve as grammatical placeholders, ensuring that sentences maintain proper structure even when the true subject is complex, delayed, or contextually irrelevant. This comprehensive discussion delves into the definition, types, usage contexts, differences from real subjects, subject-verb agreement, common errors, and practical applications of formal subjects in English grammar.

Understanding the Subject in English Grammar

Definition of a Subject

The subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that performs the action or is being described. It is a fundamental component of a sentence, typically preceding the verb and providing the main focus of the statement.

Types of Subjects

Simple Subject

The simple subject consists of the main noun or pronoun that tells who or what the sentence is about, without any modifiers.

Example: Dogs bark loudly.

Compound Subject

A compound subject includes two or more simple subjects connected by a conjunction such as "and," "or," or "nor."

Example: Tom and Jerry are popular cartoon characters.

Complete Subject

The complete subject includes the simple subject along with all its modifiers, providing more information about the subject.

Example: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

Implied Subject

In imperative sentences, the subject is often implied or understood, typically referring to "you."

Example: *(You) Sit down.

Placeholder/Expletive Subject

Sometimes, sentences use placeholder subjects like "it" or "there" when the actual subject comes later or to maintain sentence structure.

Example: There are many challenges ahead.

What Are Formal Subjects?

Definition of Formal Subjects

A formal subject is a grammatical placeholder used to fulfill the syntactic requirement of a subject in a sentence, especially when the real or logical subject is complex, delayed, or not immediately necessary for the sentence structure. Formal subjects typically include words like "it," "there," "one," and occasionally "you," "we," and "they."

Types of Formal Subjects

Dummy/Empty Subjects

Dummy or empty subjects are words like "it" and "there" that function grammatically as subjects but carry little to no semantic meaning on their own.

Examples:

  • "It is raining." (weather)
  • "There are five books." (existential)

Formal Subject Constructions

These constructions involve using clauses or phrases as the subject, such as that-clauses, gerund phrases, and infinitive phrases.

Examples:

  • "That he arrived late was unfortunate."
  • "To err is human."
  • "Reading books improves vocabulary."

Usage Contexts of Formal Subjects

Impersonal Expressions

Formal subjects are frequently used in sentences that express impersonal statements, such as those about the weather, time, or general conditions.

Examples:

  • "It is half past five." (Time)
  • "It is raining." (Weather)
  • "It seems that he is late." (Situation)

Introducing Complex Sentences or Clauses

When introducing complex sentences or clauses, formal subjects help in making the sentence smoother and easier to process.

Examples:

  • "It surprised everyone that she won the competition."
  • "It is clear that he is right."

Shifting Focus or Emphasizing Elements

Formal subjects allow writers to shift the focus of a sentence or emphasize particular elements without starting directly with the real subject.

Examples:

  • "It is your honesty that I admire most."
  • "There are many reasons to stay."

Existential Statements

In existential statements, formal subjects like "there" indicate the existence or presence of something without specifying the subject immediately.

Examples:

  • "There is a book on the table."
  • "There seem to be issues with the system."

Differences Between Formal and Real Subjects

While both formal and real subjects occupy the subject position in a sentence, they serve different functions:

Formal Subject Real Subject
Acts as a grammatical placeholder (e.g., "it," "there"). The actual subject that performs the action or carries the main meaning.
Often used to introduce clauses or complex structures. Typically appears directly before the verb and conveys the main idea.
Does not carry significant semantic weight. Contains the key information or action of the sentence.
Example: "It is obvious that she is talented." Real Subject: "that she is talented."

Subject-Verb Agreement in Formal Subjects

Rules

Ensuring that the verb agrees with the formal subject is crucial for grammatical correctness. The verb must match the formal subject in number (singular or plural), regardless of the real subject that follows.

  • "There is a book on the table." (Singular agreement with "book.")
  • "There are many books on the table." (Plural agreement with "books.")
  • "It is important to follow the instructions."

Common Errors

  • Verb Agreement Issues:
    • Incorrect: "There is many books on the shelf."
    • Correct: "There are many books on the shelf."
  • Misplaced Real Subjects:
    • Problematic: "It is important to bake a cake for the party that is delicious and moist."
    • Correct: "It is important to bake a delicious and moist cake for the party."
  • Redundancy:
    • Redundant: "It is obvious that he is happy."
    • Better: "He is clearly happy."

Guidelines for Using Formal Subjects

Ensuring Clarity of the Real Subject

When using formal subjects, it's essential to keep the real subject clear and identifiable. Avoid overly complex constructions that can confuse the reader.

Avoiding Overuse

While formal subjects are useful for maintaining sentence structure, excessive use can render writing vague or wordy. Strive for conciseness, especially in formal or academic writing.

Aligning with Verb Forms

Always ensure that verbs align with the formal subject in number, not with the real subject that may follow.

Common Challenges and Common Mistakes

Identifying the Real Subject

In sentences with formal subjects, pinpointing the real subject can be challenging, especially in complex or lengthy sentences.

Subject-Verb Distance

When the formal subject and the real subject are separated by multiple words or clauses, ensuring subject-verb agreement becomes more difficult.

Misuse of Formal Subjects

Using formal subjects in contexts where they are unnecessary can lead to redundancy and lack of clarity.

Practical Examples

Examples with "it"

  • "It is a pleasure to meet you." – Here, "it" serves as a formal subject to introduce the real subject "a pleasure."
  • "It seems that he is late." – "It" introduces the clause "that he is late."

Examples with "there"

  • "There are several issues to address." – "There" indicates the existence of "several issues."
  • "There was a loud noise."

Other Examples

  • "One should always be punctual." – "One" is used as a neutral pronoun acting as a formal subject.
  • "You should always follow the instructions." – "You" functions as a formal subject in an impersonal context.

Conclusion

Formal subjects are essential components of English grammar, providing structural balance and clarity to sentences, especially when dealing with complex, impersonal, or abstract ideas. They ensure proper subject-verb agreement and facilitate smoother sentence construction, making communication more effective. However, mastering their use requires awareness of their functions and careful attention to maintaining clarity and avoiding redundancy. By understanding the principles and guidelines surrounding formal subjects, writers and speakers can enhance their grammatical accuracy and stylistic sophistication.

Further Reading and Resources

To deepen your understanding of formal subjects and other grammatical elements, consider exploring the following resources:


Last updated January 7, 2025
Search Again