Grammar: Subject (of a Sentence)

The coin sparkled on the sidewalk.

The Martian grabbed a student from the back row.

The bright, copper coin sparkled on the sidewalk.

The big, hungry, green Martian grabbed a student from the back row.

The ball rolls.

The balls roll.

Is the delivery service back yet with those tablecloths?

Our vacation begins this Saturday.

Can we go to the movies tonight?

It is raining.

It took forever to finish.

Can it be done tomorrow?

Yes, it‘s a necessity that we stop at the next gas station.

It‘s handy to keep a few screwdrivers and a pliers on each floor and in the garage.

There is a nursery just down the road.

There was a fabric store here last year; now it’s a liquor store.

There are lots of churches in town.

The fans were doing the wave after Starr made his touchdown.

The roast beef was dry as the desert.

My brothers and I are going to Grandma’s next week.

All the Rocky Horror Picture Show fans were throwing toast at the screen.

What he had already forgotten about computer repair could fill whole volumes.

He is the simple subject but says nothing about how he could fill whole volumes.

He had already forgotten . . . what?

It needs the entire clause to explain what he had already forgotten . . .

Three cities in the country’s interior were bombed.

What I need is a good mallet.

Being the curator is a terrifying responsibility.

After nine o’clock would be more convenient.

Neither of these boys wants to try a piece of pineapple pizza.

My dog, along with her seven puppies, has chewed all of the stuffing out of the sofa cushions.

The burglar was arrested by the policeman.

It is your mother speaking.

That question I cannot answer.

In a small house adjacent to our backyard lives a family with ten noisy children.

Around the peach trees are several buzzing bumblebees.

Have you seen Mary?

“We sold the runt to the circus,” explained Mark.

The critical issue here is the purple pail.

Sometimes what teaches you the most is the journey.

Under no circumstances can we accept credit cards.

In no way can he be held responsible.

At no time did she say she would come.

On the doorstep was a bunch of flowers.

Little did I know the killer would strike that night.

Scarcely had we started our meal when the phone rang.

No sooner had I arrived than they all started to argue.

Only after the meeting did I realize the importance of the subject.

Not only was the car slow, it was also very uncomfortable.

Contrary to his description on the Internet, he wasn’t tall nor did he have any muscles.

George finished his painting; so did Helen.

Neither do I.

Under the weeping willow lies my own heart’s true love.

Had I known it would be so difficult I would never have enrolled.

Here comes the winner!

I opened the door and there stood Michael, all covered in mud.

There‘s no place like home.

I’ll See you soon.

You should Call me.

Can it be you?

You Step lively there or I’ll leave you behind!

Before assembling the swingset, you read these instructions carefully.

You Listen!

You Pick it up. (It is also a dummy subject.)

You Pass the popcorn.

You Shut the door, please.