Let’s systematically explain all common structures that can be used in the subject position in English.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun | Ece is a student at university. |
| Pronoun | She studies management |
| Determiner + Noun + Preposition Phrase | The management courses at university are highly demanding. |
| Gerund Phrase | Swimming in cold water improves circulation. |
| Infinitive Phrase | To learn a new language requires patience. |
| Noun Clause | What she said surprised everyone. |
| Determiner + Noun + Relative Clause | The student who studies hard will succeed. |
| Determiner + Noun + Reduced Relative Clause | The students studying for the exam look very tired. (The students who are studying for the exam) |
| Noun + Reduced Relative Clause | Students studying for the exam are under pressure. (= Students who are studying for the exam) |
| There (Existential Structure) | There are many students in the class. |
| Ever Clause | Whatever George says seems to please Mary. |