A1noun1K

Subject

UK /["/ˈsʌbdʒɪkt//ˈsʌbdʒekt/"]/US /["/ˈsʌbdʒɪkt//ˈsʌbdʒekt/"]/

Definition

a thing or person that is being discussed, described or dealt with

In simple words: The main topic or focus of something.

Examples

  • The subject of the book is about friendship.
  • In school, math is my favorite subject.
  • The teacher asked us to choose a subject for our project.
  • The subject of the news article was very interesting.
  • Everyone has a different subject they find fascinating.

Usage notes

Use 'subject' to refer to the main idea in a discussion, class, or written work. It's appropriate in both academic and everyday contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual situations where simpler terms like 'topic' might be clearer.

Grammar pattern

subject + verb

Memory hint

Think of a school subject, like math or science, as the main focus of your studies.

Collocations

  • big
  • complex
  • complicated
  • cover
  • debate
  • discuss
  • arise
  • come up
  • range from something to something
  • matter
  • on a/​the subject
  • subject of
  • a range of subjects
  • a variety of subjects
  • difficult
  • easy
  • compulsory
  • take
  • offer
  • choose
  • area
  • in a/​the subject
  • a choice of subject
  • a choice of subjects
  • a range of subjects

Synonyms

  • topic
  • theme
  • matter
  • issue

Antonyms

  • object
  • predicate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'object' in grammar contexts.
  • Using 'subject' as a verb incorrectly.
  • Overusing in informal conversations.