Functions of a Noun/Pronoun
Subject: The person, place, or thing on which the
action/information of the sentence is focused. It does NOT
have to be in the beginning of the sentence.
The book is going to be really exciting!
In her hand was a book.
The book, which was a novel, was very expensive!
Predicate nominative: A noun/pronoun in the predicate that
identifies or renames the subject. The subject and the
predicate nominative must be separated by a linking verb.
My gift to John was a book. (Book renames/identifies gift, the
subject.)
Her mind is an open book. (Book renames/identifies mind, the
subject.)
Appositive: A noun/pronoun that renames or identifies a
nearby noun (which may or may not be the subject). A
noun/pronoun and its appositive are usually right next to each
other, and they are NEVER separated from each other by a
verb.
My gift, a book, was wrapped beautifully. (Book
renames/identifies gift.)
I have just purchased the gift, a book. (Book renames/identifies
gift.)
Direct object: A noun/pronoun that receives the action of an
action verb. It follows the verb and answers the question
“who, whom, or what.”
Jonathon purchased the book. (Jonathon purchased what?)
I am reading the book. (I am reading what?)
Indirect object: A noun that comes between an action verb
and a direct object. It answers the question “to whom/what or
for whom/what” after the direct object. An indirect object
cannot exist without a direct object, and an indirect object will
always come before the direct object in the sentence.
I gave the book a try. (I gave what?—a try—to what?—the
book.)
Object of the preposition: A noun/pronoun that comes at the
end of the prepositional phrase.
I like to relax with a good book.
My pencil is under the book.
I read an excellent review of a new book.