Subject vs. Article: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
Subject is the doer of an action in a sentence, while an article is a word that defines a noun as specific or unspecific.
Key Differences
Subject and Article represent different components within English grammar. The subject in a sentence refers to the person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something. It is the focus of the sentence and is usually a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase. For instance, in the sentence, “The cat is sleeping,” “The cat” is the subject, depicting what the sentence is about and who is performing the action.
On the other hand, an article is a word that comes before a noun to indicate whether the noun is specific or unspecific. English has two types of articles: definite “the,” and indefinite “a” and “an.” Articles help in contextualizing nouns, offering nuances about specificity and quantity. In the sentence, “I met a writer,” “a” is an indefinite article, suggesting any writer, not someone specific.
While the subject is pivotal for conveying who or what the sentence is about, the article provides essential details about the nouns within the sentence. The subject is the main actor or theme, crucial for understanding the action or state being described. It provides a frame of reference, clarifying the focus of the statement, and enabling the conveyance of meaning.
Conversely, articles play a subtle yet important role in fine-tuning the meaning of sentences by determining the definiteness or indefiniteness of nouns. They may seem small and inconspicuous, but their presence or absence can significantly alter the interpretation of the noun they precede. Articles are indispensable in shaping the context and precision of statements.
In essence, a subject is the fundamental component that drives the meaning of a sentence, offering clarity about the performer or the central theme. It is the cornerstone of constructing coherent and meaningful sentences. Whereas an article is a grammatical element that aids in refining the understanding of nouns, it is instrumental in providing specificity and context to the narrative.
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Comparison Chart
Role in Sentence
Doer or main focus of the action.
Defines the noun as specific or unspecific.
Type
Usually a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase.
A word, “the,” “a,” or “an.”
Function
Indicates who or what is performing the action or whom the sentence is about.
Modifies the noun, providing context on specificity.
Placement
Typically found at the beginning of a sentence.
Placed before a noun.
Grammatical Component
Essential component of sentence structure.
Part of speech used to contextualize nouns.
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Subject and Article Definitions
Subject
The main noun or pronoun performing the action in a sentence.
The dog (subject) barked loudly.
Article
A word placed before a noun to indicate definiteness or indefiniteness.
She read an (article) article about health.
Subject
A person or thing that is being discussed or described.
She (subject) is an excellent musician.
Article
A grammatical element used to clarify the specificity of a noun.
The (article) book is on the table.
Subject
The part of a sentence which governs the verb.
The orchestra (subject) played beautifully.
Article
A part of speech including “the,” “a,” and “an.”
I saw a (article) cat in the yard.
Subject
A branch of knowledge studied or taught.
History (subject) is a fascinating subject.
Article
An individual thing or element of a class; a particular object or item
An article of clothing.
Articles of food.
Subject
Being in a position or in circumstances that place one under the power or authority of another or others
Subject to the law.
Article
A particular section or item of a series in a written document, as in a contract, constitution, or treaty.
Subject
Prone; disposed
A child who is subject to colds.
Article
A nonfictional literary composition that forms an independent part of a publication, as of a newspaper or magazine.
Subject
Likely to incur or receive; exposed
A directive subject to misinterpretation.
Article
The part of speech used to indicate nouns and to specify their application.
Subject
Contingent or dependent
A vacation subject to changing weather.
Article
Any of the words belonging to this part of speech. In English, the indefinite articles are a and an and the definite article is the.
Subject
One who is under the rule of another or others, especially one who owes allegiance to a government or ruler.
Article
A particular part or subject; a specific matter or point.
Subject
One concerning which something is said or done; a person or thing being discussed or dealt with
A subject of gossip.
Article
To bind by articles set forth in a contract, such as one of apprenticeship.
Subject
Something that is treated or indicated in a work of art.
Article
A piece of nonfictional writing such as a story, report, opinion piece, or entry in a newspaper, magazine, journal, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.
Subject
(Music) A theme of a composition, especially a fugue.
Article
An object, a member of a group or class.
An article of clothing
A sales article
Subject
A course or area of study
Math is her best subject.
Article
(grammar) A part of speech that indicates, specifies and limits a noun (a, an, or the in English). In some languages the article may appear as an ending (e.g. definite article in Swedish) or there may be none (e.g. Russian, Pashto).
Subject
A basis for action; a cause.
Article
A section of a legal document, bylaws, etc. or, in the plural, the entire document seen as a collection of these.
The Articles of War are a set of regulations...to govern the conduct of...military...forces
Subject
One that experiences or is subjected to something
The subject of ridicule.
Article
A genuine article.
Subject
A person or animal that is the object of medical or scientific study
The experiment involved 12 subjects.
Article
A part or segment of something joined to other parts, or, in combination, forming a structured set.
Each of the chelicerae is composed of two articles, forming a powerful pincer.
Subject
A corpse intended for anatomical study and dissection.
Article
A person; an individual.
A shrewd article
Subject
One who is under surveillance
The subject was observed leaving the scene of the murder.
Article
(archaic) A wench.
She's a prime article (whip slang), she's a devilish good piece, a hell of a goer.
Subject
(Grammar) The noun, noun phrase, or pronoun in a sentence or clause that denotes the doer of the action or what is described by the predicate.
Article
(dated) Subject matter; concern.
Subject
(Logic) The term of a proposition about which something is affirmed or denied.
Article
(dated) A distinct part.
Subject
The mind or thinking part as distinguished from the object of thought.
Article
(obsolete) A precise point in time; a moment.
Subject
A being that undergoes personal conscious or unconscious experience of itself and of the world.
Article
(transitive) To bind by articles of apprenticeship.
To article an apprentice to a mechanic
Subject
The essential nature or substance of something as distinguished from its attributes.
Article
(obsolete) To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles or accusations.
Subject
To cause to experience, undergo, or be acted upon
Suspects subjected to interrogation.
Rocks subjected to intense pressure.
Article
To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
Subject
To subjugate; subdue.
Article
A distinct portion of an instrument, discourse, literary work, or any other writing, consisting of two or more particulars, or treating of various topics; as, an article in the Constitution. Hence: A clause in a contract, system of regulations, treaty, or the like; a term, condition, or stipulation in a contract; a concise statement; as, articles of agreement.
Subject
To submit to the authority of
Peoples that subjected themselves to the emperor.
Article
A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia.
Subject
Likely to be affected by or to experience something.
A country subject to extreme heat
Menu listings and prices are subject to change.
He's subject to sneezing fits.
Article
Subject; matter; concern; distinct.
A very great revolution that happened in this article of good breeding.
This last article will hardly be believed.
Subject
Conditional upon something; used with to.
The local board sets local policy, subject to approval from the State Board.
Article
A distinct part.
The articles which compose the blood.
Subject
Placed or situated under; lying below, or in a lower situation.
Article
A particular one of various things; as, an article of merchandise; salt is a necessary article.
They would fight not for articles of faith, but for articles of food.
Subject
Placed under the power of another; owing allegiance to a particular sovereign or state.
Article
Precise point of time; moment.
This fatal news coming to Hick's Hall upon the article of my Lord Russell's trial, was said to have had no little influence on the jury and all the bench to his prejudice.
Subject
(grammar) In a clause: the word or word group (usually a noun phrase) about whom the statement is made. In active clauses with verbs denoting an action, the subject and the actor are usually the same.
In the sentence ‘The cat ate the mouse’, ‘the cat’ is the subject, ‘the mouse’ being the object.
Article
One of the three words, a, an, the, used before nouns to limit or define their application. A (or an) is called the indefinite article, the the definite article.
Subject
An actor; one who takes action.
The subjects and objects of power.
Article
One of the segments of an articulated appendage.
Subject
The main topic of a paper, work of art, discussion, field of study, etc.
Article
To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
If all his errors and follies were articled against him, the man would seem vicious and miserable.
Subject
A particular area of study.
Her favorite subject is physics.
Article
To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles.
He shall be articled against in the high court of admiralty.
Subject
A citizen in a monarchy.
I am a British subject.
Article
To bind by articles of covenant or stipulation; as, to article an apprentice to a mechanic.
Subject
A person ruled over by another, especially a monarch or state authority.
Article
To agree by articles; to stipulate; to bargain; to covenant.
Then he articled with her that he should go away when he pleased.
Subject
(music) The main theme or melody, especially in a fugue.
Article
Nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
Subject
A human, animal or an inanimate object that is being examined, treated, analysed, etc.
Article
One of a class of artifacts;
An article of clothing
Subject
(philosophy) A being that has subjective experiences, subjective consciousness, or a relationship with another entity.
Article
A separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)
Subject
(logic) That of which something is stated.
Article
(grammar) a determiner that may indicate the specificity of reference of a noun phrase
Subject
(math) The variable in terms of which an expression is defined.
0, we have x
Article
Bind by a contract; especially for a training period
Subject
To cause (someone or something) to undergo a particular experience, especially one that is unpleasant or unwanted.
I came here to buy souvenirs, not to be subjected to a tirade of abuse!
Article
A word that introduces a noun and conveys whether it is specific or general.
An (article) apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Subject
(transitive) To make subordinate or subservient; to subdue or enslave.
Article
A piece of writing included with others in a newspaper or magazine.
He wrote the (article) main article for the magazine.
Subject
Placed or situated under; lying below, or in a lower situation.
Subject
Placed under the power of another; specifically (International Law), owing allegiance to a particular sovereign or state; as, Jamaica is subject to Great Britain.
Esau was never subject to Jacob.
Subject
Exposed; liable; prone; disposed; as, a country subject to extreme heat; men subject to temptation.
All human things are subject to decay.
Subject
Obedient; submissive.
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities.
Subject
That which is placed under the authority, dominion, control, or influence of something else.
Subject
Specifically: One who is under the authority of a ruler and is governed by his laws; one who owes allegiance to a sovereign or a sovereign state; as, a subject of Queen Victoria; a British subject; a subject of the United States.
Was never subject longed to be a king,As I do long and wish to be a subject.
The subject must obey his prince, because God commands it, human laws require it.
Subject
That which is subjected, or submitted to, any physical operation or process; specifically (Anat.), a dead body used for the purpose of dissection.
Subject
That which is brought under thought or examination; that which is taken up for discussion, or concerning which anything is said or done.
Make choice of a subject, beautiful and noble, which . . . shall afford an ample field of matter wherein to expatiate.
The unhappy subject of these quarrels.
Subject
The person who is treated of; the hero of a piece; the chief character.
Writers of particular lives . . . are apt to be prejudiced in favor of their subject.
Subject
That of which anything is affirmed or predicated; the theme of a proposition or discourse; that which is spoken of; as, the nominative case is the subject of the verb.
The subject of a proposition is that concerning which anything is affirmed or denied.
Subject
That in which any quality, attribute, or relation, whether spiritual or material, inheres, or to which any of these appertain; substance; substratum.
That which manifests its qualities - in other words, that in which the appearing causes inhere, that to which they belong - is called their subject or substance, or substratum.
Subject
The principal theme, or leading thought or phrase, on which a composition or a movement is based.
The earliest known form of subject is the ecclesiastical cantus firmus, or plain song.
Subject
The incident, scene, figure, group, etc., which it is the aim of the artist to represent.
Subject
To bring under control, power, or dominion; to make subject; to subordinate; to subdue.
Firmness of mind that subjects every gratification of sense to the rule of right reason.
In one short view subjected to our eye,Gods, emperors, heroes, sages, beauties, lie.
He is the most subjected, the most nslaved, who is so in his understanding.
Subject
To expose; to make obnoxious or liable; as, credulity subjects a person to impositions.
Subject
To submit; to make accountable.
God is not bound to subject his ways of operation to the scrutiny of our thoughts.
Subject
To make subservient.
Subjected to his service angel wings.
Subject
To cause to undergo; as, to subject a substance to a white heat; to subject a person to a rigid test.
Subject
The subject matter of a conversation or discussion;
He didn't want to discuss that subject
It was a very sensitive topic
His letters were always on the theme of love
Subject
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
Subject
A branch of knowledge;
In what discipline is his doctorate?
Teachers should be well trained in their subject
Anthropology is the study of human beings
Subject
Something (a person or object or scene) selected by an artist or photographer for graphic representation;
A moving picture of a train is more dramatic than a still picture of the same subject
Subject
A person who is subjected to experimental or other observational procedures; someone who is an object of investigation;
The subjects for this investigation were selected randomly
The cases that we studied were drawn from two different communities
Subject
A person who owes allegiance to that nation;
A monarch has a duty to his subjects
Subject
(grammar) one of the two main constituents of a sentence; the grammatical constituent about which something is predicated
Subject
(logic) the first term of a proposition
Subject
Cause to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to;
He subjected me to his awful poetry
The sergeant subjected the new recruits to many drills
People in Chernobyl were subjected to radiation
Subject
Make accountable for;
He did not want to subject himself to the judgments of his superiors
Subject
Make subservient; force to submit or subdue
Subject
Refer for judgment or consideration;
She submitted a proposal to the agency
Subject
Not exempt from tax;
The gift will be subject to taxation
Subject
Possibly accepting or permitting;
A passage capable of misinterpretation
Open to interpretation
An issue open to question
The time is fixed by the director and players and therefore subject to much variation
Subject
Being under the power or sovereignty of another or others;
Subject peoples
A dependent prince
Subject
The primary focus or topic of a sentence.
Mathematics (subject) can be challenging.
FAQs
Can “the” be used with plural nouns?
Yes, “the” can be used with both singular and plural nouns.
Can a sentence be without a subject?
In imperative sentences, the subject is often implied, usually “you.”
Is an article necessary before every noun?
No, some nouns do not require an article, like plural and uncountable nouns.
Can a sentence have more than one subject?
Yes, a compound subject includes two or more subjects performing the same action.
Is the use of “a” and “an” interchangeable?
No, “a” is used before words beginning with a consonant sound, and “an” before vowel sounds.
Can an article be omitted in English?
Yes, articles are often omitted before plural and uncountable nouns when unspecific.
What happens when the subject is missing in a sentence?
The sentence becomes a fragment and is considered grammatically incorrect.
Does a subject always agree with the verb in number?
Yes, subject-verb agreement is a grammatical rule in English.
Is the subject always at the beginning of a sentence?
Often, but not always, especially in questions and passive constructions.
Is the subject always a noun or pronoun?
Typically, but it can also be a gerund or infinitive phrase acting as a noun.
Can the subject and the object of a sentence be the same?
No, the subject performs the action, and the object receives the action.
Can a single word be considered an article?
Yes, “the,” “a,” and “an” are single-word articles.
How does one choose between “a” and “an”?
It depends on the sound that follows them; “a” before consonant sounds, “an” before vowel sounds.
Can a sentence have more than one article?
Yes, a sentence can have multiple articles if it has multiple nouns.
Is an article a type of adjective?
Yes, articles are considered a type of adjective because they modify nouns.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
