#2 - Subjects in Unusual Positions
The subject of a sentence usually comes before the verb. In some sentences, however,
part or all of the verb comes before the subject.
1. Sentences beginning with there or here.
a. There is the plane. (Plane is the subject; is is the verb. There tells where
the plane is.)
b. There is no answer. (Answer is the subject; is is the verb. There simply
introduces the sentence.)
c. Here are our seats. (Seats is the subject; are is the verb. Here tells where
the seats are.
2. Questions.
a. Did Mary learn her lines? (Mary is the subject; did learn is the verb.)
3. Sentences starting with phrases or other words.
a. From the crowd came a loud cheer. (Cheer is the subject; came is the
verb.)
4. Sentences giving commands. The subject is you even though it isn’t stated. We
say that it is understood.
a. Close the door. (You is the subject; close is the verb.)
Find subjects in unusual positions. Underline the verb twice and the subject once in
each sentence. If the subject is understood, write you for the subject after the
sentence.
1. Here is the key.
2. Into the jungle went the photographers.
3. Save me a place in line.
4. Did Mickey make this cake?
5. There is too much noise.
6. In the cage lay the tiger.
7. Has Lauren heard this album?
8. There is the new stadium.
9. On your left is the art museum.
10.
Start the music now.
11.
Is Phyllis coming to the rehearsal?
12.
Make a right turn at the next light.
13.
There will be a victory dance tonight.
14.
Here comes Joe.
15.
Did he get your message?