Types of Subjects and Objects

Single words

Article + Noun

Adjective(s) + Noun

Noun + relative clause

Gerunds

Infinitives

Noun clauses

Dogs, water, Jeffery

The teacher, a cat, some ice

A big, black spider

The man who lives there

Skiing

To sing

Whatever you do

As Subjects

As Objects

As Complements

A dog is a man’s best friend.

Whatever you do is up to you.

Skiing is believing.

He ate ten apples.

I like to eat.

Mr. Trump is my friend.

That is the man (whom) I told you about.

I don’t approve of John.

I don’t approve of singing.

I don’t approve of John’s singing.

I don’t approve of John’s singing love songs.

I don’t approve of whatever John does.

(the person)

(the action)

(gerund’s subject is possessive)

(S gerund Obj.)

(noun clause)

I look forward to Spring.

I look forward to your party.

I look forward to seeing you.

Prep. + Object

Prep. + Object

Prep. + Gerund

I want to see you.

I hope to see you.

I enjoy seeing you.

I avoid seeing you.

I’m interested in seeing you.

I’m tired of seeing you.

I am accustomed to seeing you.

S V to V (infinitive)

S V Ving (gerund)

Prep + gerund