At the A1 level, the word 'subjects' is primarily used to talk about school. It is one of the first words students learn when describing their daily lives. For an A1 learner, 'subjects' means the different classes they have at school, like Math, English, Science, and Music. You use it in simple questions like 'What subjects do you like?' or 'How many subjects do you have today?' It is almost always used in the plural form in this context. At this level, the focus is on building a basic vocabulary of school-related words. You might also see it in the singular form 'subject' when talking about a favorite, such as 'My favorite subject is Art.' The word helps you share information about your interests and your school schedule with others. It is a very concrete and practical word for beginners. You don't need to worry about the more complex meanings like political subjects or grammatical subjects yet. Just remember that 'subjects' equals 'school classes.'
At the A2 level, you continue to use 'subjects' to talk about school, but you can also start using it to describe the topic of a conversation or a book. For example, you might say, 'The subject of the book is a famous cat.' This is a step up from just talking about school classes. You are now using the word to identify what something is about. You might also encounter 'subject' in email headers. In an A2 context, you should be able to list several school subjects and talk about which ones are easy or difficult for you. You are also learning to use the word in slightly more complex sentences, such as 'We are studying many different subjects this year.' You might also begin to see the word in the context of a 'subject line' in an email, which is the short title that tells you what the email is about. This level is about expanding the word's use from just school to general topics of interest.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'subjects' in several different ways. First, you use it to discuss academic choices, such as 'I need to choose my subjects for next year.' Second, you use it to refer to the topics of meetings, articles, or documentaries. For example, 'The documentary covers several important subjects, like climate change and pollution.' You are also introduced to the grammatical meaning of 'subjects.' You learn that every sentence needs a subject—the person or thing that does the action. This is crucial for improving your writing and understanding how English sentences are built. You might also hear the word used in a more formal way to mean 'people under a king or queen,' especially if you are reading about history or watching a period drama. At B1, you are expected to understand that 'subjects' can have these different meanings depending on whether you are in a classroom, a history lesson, or a grammar workshop. You can also use the phrase 'change the subject' when you want to talk about something else.
At the B2 level, you use 'subjects' with more precision and in more formal contexts. You might use it in scientific or academic writing to refer to the participants in a study: 'The subjects were monitored for twenty-four hours.' You understand the ethical nuances of using 'subjects' versus 'participants.' In your own writing, you use 'subjects' to categorize the themes of your essays or reports. You might say, 'The subjects addressed in this report include economic growth and social welfare.' You are also aware of the verb form 'to subject,' as in 'The prisoners were subjected to harsh conditions.' You can distinguish between the noun and the verb by their pronunciation and stress. At this level, you are also more aware of the political distinction between 'subjects' and 'citizens' and can use the word correctly when discussing constitutional monarchies. Your use of the word is no longer limited to simple school topics; it is now a tool for organized academic and professional communication.
At the C1 level, your understanding of 'subjects' is sophisticated and nuanced. You use the word in complex academic discourse to refer to 'disciplines' or 'fields of inquiry.' You might discuss how different 'subjects' intersect in interdisciplinary research. In literature or art criticism, you use 'subjects' to analyze the focus of a work, often contrasting it with 'themes' or 'motifs.' You are comfortable using the word in legal or historical contexts, discussing the rights and duties of 'subjects' in various political systems throughout history. You also understand the philosophical concept of the 'subject' as a self-aware entity, often discussed in psychology or philosophy. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'subjectivity' and 'subject matter.' You can use 'subjects' in a variety of registers, from highly formal academic papers to nuanced social commentary. You are also proficient in using the word in complex grammatical structures, ensuring that subjects and verbs always agree, even in long, convoluted sentences.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word 'subjects' and all its subtle connotations. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as linguistics, to discuss 'subject-verb-object' typologies across different languages. In political science, you can engage in deep discussions about the transition from 'subjects' to 'citizens' during the Enlightenment. You are aware of the word's use in specialized research contexts, such as 'human subjects research,' and the complex ethical frameworks that govern it. You can use the word metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions with ease. Your writing demonstrates a high level of precision, choosing 'subjects,' 'topics,' 'disciplines,' or 'participants' based on the exact tone and meaning you wish to convey. You understand the historical weight of the word and can use it to evoke specific eras or political structures. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a versatile concept that you can manipulate to express complex ideas across a wide range of academic, professional, and creative domains.

subjects 30초 만에

  • Subjects are the various areas of study in a school curriculum, such as math, science, and history.
  • The term also refers to the specific topics or themes being discussed in a conversation, book, or movie.
  • In grammar, subjects are the nouns or pronouns that perform the action of the verb in a sentence.
  • Historically and legally, subjects are people who live under the rule of a monarch or sovereign.

The word subjects is a multifaceted noun that primarily refers to specific branches of knowledge or study. In an academic context, subjects are the building blocks of an education system, ranging from the foundational pillars of mathematics and literacy to specialized fields like astrophysics or medieval history. When we talk about subjects in school, we are referring to the organized curriculum that students follow to gain a comprehensive understanding of the world. However, the utility of the word extends far beyond the classroom. It is frequently used to denote the central theme or topic of a discussion, a book, a film, or a piece of art. For instance, if you are writing an email, the 'subject line' tells the recipient exactly what the message is about. In this sense, a subject is the focal point of communication.

Academic Disciplines
These are specific areas of learning such as biology, geography, or economics. Each subject has its own set of rules, vocabulary, and methodologies.
Topics of Discourse
This refers to the matter being dealt with in a conversation or text. Changing the subject means moving to a different topic to avoid discomfort or boredom.

The curriculum includes a wide variety of subjects to ensure a well-rounded education.

Beyond these common uses, subjects has a significant political and legal meaning. Historically and in modern constitutional monarchies, subjects are individuals who live under the rule of a monarch. Unlike 'citizens,' who are often defined by their rights within a republic, 'subjects' were traditionally defined by their obligations to a sovereign. While the distinction has blurred in modern times, the term still carries a weight of historical tradition. Additionally, in the realm of science and research, subjects are the individuals—human or animal—who participate in experiments or clinical trials. Researchers must follow strict ethical guidelines to protect the well-being of their subjects. Finally, in grammar, the subject is the part of a sentence that performs the action or is being described. Understanding the subject is crucial for sentence structure and clarity.

The researchers recruited fifty subjects for the sleep study.

In artistic endeavors, the subject is the person, object, or scene that the artist chooses to represent. A portrait's subject is the person sitting for the artist, while a landscape's subject might be a mountain range at sunset. The choice of subject is a fundamental decision that dictates the mood and message of the work. Whether in a lab, a palace, a classroom, or a gallery, the word 'subjects' helps us categorize and identify the primary focus of our attention or governance. It is a word that bridges the gap between the abstract world of ideas and the concrete world of people and things.

Grammatical Function
The subject of a sentence is the noun or pronoun that performs the verb. For example, in 'The cats sleep,' 'cats' is the subject.

The King addressed his subjects from the balcony of the palace.

We discussed several sensitive subjects during the meeting.

Photography allows you to capture ordinary subjects in extraordinary ways.

Using subjects correctly requires an understanding of the context, as the word shifts meaning significantly depending on the environment. In educational settings, it is almost always plural when referring to a curriculum. You might say, 'I am taking five subjects this semester,' which implies a broad range of study. When discussing a specific area, you might say, 'Science is one of my favorite subjects.' Notice how the verb agreement changes based on whether you are referring to the collection of topics or a single entity within that collection. It is a versatile word that fits into both formal academic writing and casual conversation about school life.

Academic Context
'The university offers a diverse range of subjects, from fine arts to nuclear physics.' Here, it refers to the catalog of courses.

Students often struggle to balance their workload across multiple subjects.

In the context of conversation or writing, 'subjects' refers to the themes being explored. If a discussion becomes heated, someone might suggest, 'Let's change the subject.' This use of the word is very common in social interactions. In more formal writing, such as an essay or a report, you might state, 'This paper explores several subjects related to urban development.' Here, it acts as a synonym for 'topics' or 'themes.' It is important to ensure that the subjects you are discussing are clearly defined to avoid confusing your audience. The word provides a professional way to categorize the points you intend to cover.

The documentary covers a variety of controversial subjects, including political corruption.

When used in a scientific or medical sense, 'subjects' refers to the participants in a study. For example, 'The subjects were divided into two groups: the control group and the experimental group.' This is a standard term in research papers. However, in modern ethics, there is a push to use 'participants' for humans to acknowledge their agency. In grammar, identifying the subjects of sentences is the first step in parsing. 'The subjects of these sentences are all plural nouns.' This technical use is essential for students of linguistics and language learners. Each of these uses requires the speaker to be mindful of the audience's expectations.

Political/Historical
'The British subjects living abroad were required to register with the embassy.' This refers to legal status.

In the experiment, the subjects were asked to complete a series of cognitive tasks.

The artist's favorite subjects were the local fishermen and their boats.

Please ensure that the subjects of your sentences agree with their verbs.

You will encounter the word subjects in a multitude of everyday and specialized environments. The most common place is undoubtedly within the walls of an educational institution. From the moment children enter primary school, they are introduced to different subjects. Teachers use the word to organize the school day: 'Now, class, we are moving on to our next subject, which is History.' In higher education, university students choose their 'major subjects,' which define their academic career and future professional path. If you are a student, you likely use this word daily when discussing your timetable or exams with friends.

In the News
Journalists often use the word to describe the topics they are reporting on. 'The prime minister refused to comment on subjects related to the ongoing investigation.'

The school board is debating which subjects should be mandatory for graduation.

Another frequent setting is the workplace, particularly in digital communication. Every email you send or receive has a 'subject' line. While this is the singular form, we often talk about 'email subjects' in the plural when discussing office organization or communication strategies. In meetings, a chairperson might list the 'subjects for discussion' on an agenda. This helps keep the meeting focused and ensures that all necessary points are covered. In professional settings, 'subjects' is a more formal and precise word than 'things' or 'stuff,' making it the preferred choice for official documentation and professional discourse.

The conference will cover a wide range of subjects including technology and ethics.

In the world of science and medicine, 'subjects' is the standard terminology used in research papers and news reports about scientific breakthroughs. You might hear a news anchor say, 'The new drug was tested on three hundred subjects with positive results.' This usage is ubiquitous in academic journals and medical reporting. Furthermore, in the arts, critics and curators use the word to describe the content of an exhibition. 'The artist's subjects are often drawn from the gritty reality of urban life.' Whether you are watching a documentary, reading a scientific study, or simply checking your inbox, 'subjects' is a word that organizes information and identifies the core focus of human activity.

In Art and Media
Critics discuss the 'subjects' of a filmmaker's work to identify recurring themes or motifs that define their style.

The subjects of the photographs were all residents of the local nursing home.

We need to focus on the subjects that will be on the final exam.

The king was known for his kindness toward his subjects.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word subjects is confusing it with the word 'objects.' In grammar, these are opposites: the subject performs the action, while the object receives it. Confusing the two can lead to significant misunderstandings in sentence structure. For example, saying 'The subject of the sentence was hit by the ball' is correct if the subject is the person being hit, but in a basic active sentence like 'The boy hit the ball,' 'boy' is the subject and 'ball' is the object. Another common error is using 'subjects' when 'topics' or 'issues' might be more appropriate. While often interchangeable, 'subjects' usually implies a broader area of study, whereas 'issues' often implies a problem or a point of contention.

Subject vs. Object
Mistake: 'The ball is the subject of the sentence "I kicked the ball".' Correct: 'The ball is the object; "I" is the subject.'
Subject vs. Course
In some contexts, 'course' refers to the entire program, while 'subject' refers to the specific field. Don't say 'I am studying the subject of Medicine' if you mean the whole degree program; 'Medicine' is the course.

Incorrect: He is a citizen of the King. Correct: He is a subject of the King.

Another nuance involves the distinction between 'subjects' and 'citizens.' In a republic like the United States or France, people are 'citizens' because they hold rights and participate in governance. In a monarchy, the traditional term is 'subjects.' Using 'subjects' to describe people in a democracy can sound archaic or even offensive, as it implies a lack of agency or rights. Furthermore, in scientific writing, failing to capitalize the names of specific subjects (like 'English' or 'French') while lowercase for others (like 'math' or 'science') is a common stylistic error. Remember that languages are always capitalized, but general fields of study are usually not unless they are part of a specific course title.

Avoid saying 'What is your favorite subjects?' Instead, use 'What are your favorite subjects?'

Finally, be careful with the verb form 'to subject.' While the noun 'subjects' is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable (SUB-jects), the verb 'to subject' is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable (sub-JECT). Confusing the pronunciation can make it difficult for listeners to understand whether you are talking about a topic of study or the act of making someone undergo something. For example, 'The subjects were subjected to intense heat' uses both the noun and the verb. Mastering these distinctions will significantly improve your fluency and precision in English.

Pronunciation Pitfall
Noun: /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/ (Stress on 'sub'). Verb: /səbˈdʒɛkt/ (Stress on 'ject').

Don't confuse 'subjects' with 'themes.' While related, subjects are the 'what,' and themes are the 'why' or the underlying message.

The subjects of the experiment (plural) were (plural verb) carefully selected.

I have three subjects left to study before the exam tomorrow.

The word subjects has several synonyms depending on the context in which it is used. In an academic setting, 'disciplines' is a more formal and sophisticated alternative. While 'subjects' is common in primary and secondary school, 'disciplines' is often used in universities to describe broad fields of study like the 'humanities' or 'social sciences.' Another alternative is 'fields,' as in 'the field of biology.' This term implies a professional or research-oriented area of expertise. For specific classes, you might use 'courses' or 'modules,' which refer to the actual units of study rather than the general area of knowledge.

Disciplines vs. Subjects
'Disciplines' sounds more academic and refers to the branch of knowledge, whereas 'subjects' is the standard term for school-level learning.
Topics vs. Subjects
'Topics' are usually more specific than 'subjects.' A subject might be History, while a topic within that subject could be the French Revolution.

The university encourages interdisciplinary study across various disciplines.

When referring to the focus of a conversation or a book, 'topics' and 'themes' are the most common alternatives. 'Topics' is a direct synonym for the specific matter being discussed, while 'themes' refers to the deeper, underlying ideas. For example, the subject of a book might be a war, but its themes could be courage and loss. In a scientific context, 'participants' is the preferred modern term for human 'subjects,' as it sounds more respectful and less like the people are being treated as objects. In a political context, 'citizens' is the modern equivalent of 'subjects' in democratic nations, reflecting a shift from being ruled to having a voice in government.

We need to address several key issues during today's staff meeting.

In grammar, there is no real alternative to 'subject,' as it is a technical term. However, you might hear 'agent' used in more advanced linguistic discussions to describe the entity that performs the action. Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to your audience. Using 'disciplines' in a PhD thesis is more appropriate than 'subjects,' while 'topics' is perfect for a casual chat with a friend. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can express yourself with greater nuance and precision, ensuring that your meaning is always clear and contextually appropriate.

Participants vs. Subjects
In modern research ethics, 'participants' is used to show that the people involved have given consent and are active contributors.

The subject matter of the lecture was quite complex for the freshmen.

Each of the fields of study offers unique career opportunities.

The themes of the novel are universal and timeless.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The grammatical term 'subject' was adopted because the subject is the 'foundation' or the thing 'thrown under' the rest of the sentence to support it.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/
US /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/
Primary stress is on the first syllable: SUB-jects.
라임이 맞는 단어
objects projects rejects injects inspects expects connects respects
자주 하는 실수
  • Stressing the second syllable (sub-JECTS), which makes it sound like the verb form.
  • Pronouncing the 'j' like a 'y' (sub-yects).
  • Dropping the 't' sound at the end (sub-jeks).
  • Pronouncing the 'u' like an 'oo' sound (soob-jects).
  • Confusing the plural 'subjects' with the singular 'subject' in speech.

난이도

독해 2/5

The word is common, but its multiple meanings require context to understand.

쓰기 3/5

Learners must be careful with subject-verb agreement and pluralization.

말하기 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but stress must be on the first syllable.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'objects' if not careful.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

school learn topic king sentence

다음에 배울 것

disciplines curriculum subjective participants sovereign

고급

subjectivity subjugation ontology syntax pedagogy

알아야 할 문법

Subject-Verb Agreement

The subjects (plural) are (plural) difficult.

Compound Subjects

Math and Science (compound subject) are my favorites.

Gerunds as Subjects

Studying subjects is important for your future.

Dummy Subjects

It is raining. ('It' is the dummy subject).

Inverted Subjects

Down the street ran the subjects of the study.

수준별 예문

1

My favorite subjects are Math and Music.

Mes matières préférées sont les mathématiques et la musique.

Plural noun 'subjects' followed by plural verb 'are'.

2

How many subjects do you study at school?

Combien de matières étudies-tu à l'école ?

Used with 'how many' for countable plural nouns.

3

We have six subjects every day.

Nous avons six matières chaque jour.

Direct object of the verb 'have'.

4

I like all my school subjects.

J'aime toutes mes matières scolaires.

Modified by the adjective 'school'.

5

English is one of my subjects.

L'anglais est l'une de mes matières.

Part of a prepositional phrase 'of my subjects'.

6

The subjects are easy this year.

Les matières sont faciles cette année.

Subject of the sentence.

7

Do you like science subjects?

Aimes-tu les matières scientifiques ?

Used as a general category.

8

Write the subjects in your notebook.

Écris les matières dans ton cahier.

Imperative sentence with 'subjects' as the object.

1

The subject of the email is 'Meeting'.

Le sujet de l'e-mail est 'Réunion'.

Singular 'subject' referring to a topic.

2

We talked about many different subjects.

Nous avons parlé de nombreux sujets différents.

Plural 'subjects' meaning topics of conversation.

3

The book covers subjects like history and art.

Le livre traite de sujets comme l'histoire et l'art.

Object of the verb 'covers'.

4

Please don't change the subject.

S'il te plaît, ne change pas de sujet.

Common idiom 'change the subject'.

5

He knows a lot about various subjects.

Il en sait beaucoup sur divers sujets.

Modified by the adjective 'various'.

6

What is the subject of your presentation?

Quel est le sujet de ta présentation ?

Interrogative sentence using 'subject' as a topic.

7

The subjects of the photos are very interesting.

Les sujets des photos sont très intéressants.

Refers to the focus of the images.

8

I have to choose three subjects for my exams.

Je dois choisir trois matières pour mes examens.

Refers to academic disciplines.

1

The subjects of the study were all volunteers.

Les sujets de l'étude étaient tous des volontaires.

Refers to research participants.

2

Every sentence must have a subject and a verb.

Chaque phrase doit avoir un sujet et un verbe.

Grammatical term.

3

The King's subjects were loyal to the crown.

Les sujets du roi étaient fidèles à la couronne.

Political/historical meaning.

4

We discussed several sensitive subjects during the meeting.

Nous avons discuté de plusieurs sujets sensibles pendant la réunion.

Refers to topics of discourse.

5

The documentary explores subjects that are often ignored.

Le documentaire explore des sujets qui sont souvent ignorés.

Refers to themes or topics.

6

She is an expert on subjects related to the environment.

Elle est experte sur les sujets liés à l'environnement.

Refers to fields of knowledge.

7

The subjects in the painting are his family members.

Les sujets du tableau sont les membres de sa famille.

Refers to the focus of the artwork.

8

I find it hard to focus on so many subjects at once.

Je trouve difficile de me concentrer sur autant de sujets à la fois.

Refers to academic disciplines.

1

The subjects were subjected to rigorous testing.

Les sujets ont été soumis à des tests rigoureux.

Uses both the noun 'subjects' and the verb 'subjected'.

2

The curriculum covers a wide range of academic subjects.

Le programme couvre un large éventail de matières académiques.

Formal academic usage.

3

British subjects living abroad have certain rights.

Les sujets britanniques vivant à l'étranger ont certains droits.

Legal/political usage.

4

The author often writes about controversial subjects.

L'auteur écrit souvent sur des sujets controversés.

Refers to themes in literature.

5

The subjects of the experiment remained anonymous.

Les sujets de l'expérience sont restés anonymes.

Standard research terminology.

6

We need to identify the subjects of these complex sentences.

Nous devons identifier les sujets de ces phrases complexes.

Grammatical analysis.

7

The subjects of the debate were clearly defined beforehand.

Les sujets du débat ont été clairement définis au préalable.

Refers to topics of formal discussion.

8

The museum's collection features diverse subjects from nature.

La collection du musée présente divers sujets de la nature.

Refers to the focus of the art.

1

The study of human subjects requires strict ethical approval.

L'étude de sujets humains nécessite une approbation éthique stricte.

Formal research context.

2

The transition from subjects to citizens was a key Enlightenment ideal.

La transition de sujets à citoyens était un idéal clé des Lumières.

Political philosophy context.

3

Linguists analyze how subjects are marked in different languages.

Les linguistes analysent comment les sujets sont marqués dans différentes langues.

Specialized linguistic usage.

4

The subjects of her poetry are often deeply personal and evocative.

Les sujets de sa poésie sont souvent très personnels et évocateurs.

Literary criticism.

5

The subjects of the investigation were not informed of the surveillance.

Les sujets de l'enquête n'ont pas été informés de la surveillance.

Legal/investigative context.

6

He is well-versed in a variety of arcane subjects.

Il connaît bien une variété de sujets mystérieux.

Refers to specialized knowledge.

7

The subjects of the portraits seem to follow you with their eyes.

Les sujets des portraits semblent vous suivre du regard.

Refers to the people in the art.

8

The curriculum integrates several subjects into a single project.

Le programme intègre plusieurs matières dans un seul projet.

Interdisciplinary education context.

1

The ontological status of the subject is a central question in philosophy.

Le statut ontologique du sujet est une question centrale en philosophie.

Philosophical usage (singular/plural concept).

2

The monarch's subjects were bound by an oath of fealty.

Les sujets du monarque étaient liés par un serment de fidélité.

Archaic/historical political usage.

3

The subjects of the experiment were chosen via a double-blind process.

Les sujets de l'expérience ont été choisis par un processus en double aveugle.

High-level scientific methodology.

4

The discourse analysis revealed how the subjects were constructed in the text.

L'analyse du discours a révélé comment les sujets étaient construits dans le texte.

Advanced literary/linguistic theory.

5

The subjects of the treaty were the cessation of hostilities and trade.

Les sujets du traité étaient la cessation des hostilités et le commerce.

Formal diplomatic usage.

6

The subjects of the photographer's lens were the marginalized of society.

Les sujets de l'objectif du photographe étaient les marginaux de la société.

Artistic/sociological commentary.

7

The subjects of the study exhibited a wide range of psychological responses.

Les sujets de l'étude ont montré une large gamme de réponses psychologiques.

Formal scientific reporting.

8

The subjects of the discussion shifted from the pragmatic to the sublime.

Les sujets de la discussion sont passés du pragmatique au sublime.

Refers to the nature of the conversation.

자주 쓰는 조합

school subjects
academic subjects
change the subject
subject matter
human subjects
British subjects
favorite subjects
sensitive subjects
diverse subjects
mandatory subjects

자주 쓰는 구문

on the subject of

— Used to introduce a topic that is related to what was just mentioned. It helps transition between ideas.

On the subject of money, have you paid the rent yet?

drop the subject

— To stop talking about something, usually because it is causing an argument or discomfort. It is a way to end a conversation.

I don't want to argue anymore, so let's just drop the subject.

a subject of debate

— Something that people have different opinions about and discuss frequently. It implies a lack of consensus.

The new law is still a subject of debate among politicians.

master of his subject

— Someone who has a very deep and complete knowledge of a particular field. It implies expertise.

The professor is truly a master of his subject.

subject to change

— Used to say that something might be different in the future. It is often used in schedules or prices.

The flight times are subject to change due to weather conditions.

broach the subject

— To bring up a difficult or sensitive topic for the first time. It requires tact.

I wasn't sure how to broach the subject of his retirement.

get off the subject

— To start talking about something that is not related to the main topic. It implies a lack of focus.

We're getting off the subject; let's go back to the budget.

the subject in question

— The specific topic or person that is being talked about at that moment. It is a formal way to refer to the focus.

The subject in question has refused to comment on the allegations.

touch on a subject

— To mention something briefly without going into much detail. It is a light exploration of a topic.

The lecture touched on several subjects related to modern art.

a wide range of subjects

— A large variety of different topics or areas of study. It implies breadth.

The magazine covers a wide range of subjects, from fashion to politics.

자주 혼동되는 단어

subjects vs objects

In grammar, the object receives the action, while the subject performs it.

subjects vs citizens

Citizens have rights in a republic; subjects have duties in a monarchy.

subjects vs courses

A course is the whole program; a subject is the specific area of study.

관용어 및 표현

"change the subject"

— To intentionally start talking about something else to avoid a topic. It is very common in social settings.

Whenever I ask about his ex-girlfriend, he quickly changes the subject.

informal
"drop the subject"

— To stop discussing a particular topic immediately. Usually used when a conversation becomes tense.

Let's just drop the subject before we start shouting.

neutral
"on the subject of"

— Regarding or concerning a particular topic. Used as a transition in speech or writing.

On the subject of the party, who are we going to invite?

neutral
"subject of interest"

— A topic or person that attracts attention or curiosity. Often used in academic or investigative contexts.

The ancient ruins became a major subject of interest for archaeologists.

formal
"subject to"

— Likely to be affected by something, or depending on something else to happen. Very common in legal and business English.

The offer is subject to contract and survey.

formal
"a sore subject"

— A topic that makes someone feel angry, upset, or embarrassed. It is something people avoid talking about.

Don't mention his failed business; it's a bit of a sore subject.

informal
"subject of conversation"

— The thing that people are talking about. A neutral way to describe the focus of a chat.

The weather is always a safe subject of conversation.

neutral
"subject matter"

— The actual content or themes of a book, film, or course. More formal than just 'subject'.

The subject matter was too advanced for the younger students.

formal
"get onto the subject"

— To start talking about a particular topic, often after talking about something else first.

How did we get onto the subject of politics?

informal
"avoid the subject"

— To try not to talk about something. Usually because it is unpleasant or secret.

She carefully avoided the subject of her age.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

subjects vs topics

Both refer to what something is about.

Subjects are usually broader (e.g., Science), while topics are more specific (e.g., Photosynthesis).

Biology is the subject, and cells are the topic.

subjects vs themes

Both describe the content of a work.

Subjects are the literal content; themes are the deeper, abstract meanings.

The subject is a war; the theme is the loss of innocence.

subjects vs disciplines

Both refer to areas of study.

Disciplines is more formal and used in university settings.

Sociology is an academic discipline.

subjects vs participants

Both refer to people in a study.

Participants is the modern, ethical term for human 'subjects'.

The participants were paid for their time.

subjects vs issues

Both refer to things being discussed.

Issues usually implies a problem or something that needs to be solved.

We need to talk about the issues with the new software.

문장 패턴

A1

My favorite subjects are [noun] and [noun].

My favorite subjects are History and Art.

A2

What is the subject of [noun]?

What is the subject of that book?

B1

We need to discuss subjects related to [noun].

We need to discuss subjects related to the project.

B2

The subjects were asked to [verb].

The subjects were asked to complete the survey.

C1

The subjects of the inquiry include [noun] and [noun].

The subjects of the inquiry include fraud and mismanagement.

C2

The transition from subjects to citizens marked a [adjective] shift.

The transition from subjects to citizens marked a paradigm shift.

B1

Let's change the subject to [noun].

Let's change the subject to something more cheerful.

B2

The subject matter of [noun] is [adjective].

The subject matter of the lecture is quite dense.

어휘 가족

명사

subject
subjectivity
subjection
subjectivism

동사

subject

형용사

subjective
subjected

관련

subject-matter
subject-verb agreement
subjugate
subject-object
subject-wise

사용법

frequency

Very high in educational and professional contexts.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'was' with 'subjects'. The subjects were...

    'Subjects' is plural, so it requires a plural verb like 'were' or 'are'.

  • Confusing 'subjects' with 'objects' in grammar. The subject does the action.

    The subject is the 'doer', while the object is the 'receiver'. Don't mix them up!

  • Stressing the second syllable in the noun. SUB-jects

    Stressing the second syllable (sub-JECT) makes it a verb, not a noun.

  • Using 'subjects' for people in a republic. Citizens of the United States.

    'Subjects' implies being ruled by a monarch; 'citizens' is the correct term for republics.

  • Not capitalizing language subjects. I study English and math.

    Languages (English, French) are always capitalized, but general subjects (math, science) are not.

Check Agreement

Always ensure your verb matches the number of your subjects. If you say 'The subjects of the book are...', use 'are' because 'subjects' is plural, even if the book is singular.

Use Synonyms

To sound more professional in university essays, try using 'disciplines' or 'fields' instead of 'subjects' when referring to areas of study.

Changing Topics

If a conversation gets awkward, use the phrase 'Anyway, changing the subject...' to move to a safer topic without being too abrupt.

Email Clarity

Keep your email subject lines short and descriptive. A good subject line makes it much more likely that your email will be read and answered quickly.

Stress the First

Always stress the first syllable (SUB-jects) when using the noun. This distinguishes it from the verb 'to subject' (sub-JECT).

Respect Participants

In modern social science, try to use 'participants' instead of 'subjects' for people. It acknowledges their humanity and voluntary participation.

Major vs. Subject

In US universities, your 'major' is your main subject of study. In the UK, you might simply say 'I am doing a degree in [Subject].'

Subject vs. Theme

When analyzing art, remember that the subject is what you see (e.g., a bowl of fruit), while the theme is the meaning (e.g., the passing of time).

Historical Context

When reading old texts, remember that 'subjects' often refers to people's legal status under a king, which is different from modern citizenship.

Logical Subject

In logic, the subject is the term about which something is asserted. This is a very specific and formal use of the word.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'SUB' as 'under' and 'JECTS' as 'objects'. School subjects are the 'objects' you put 'under' your belt to learn. Or, subjects are people 'under' a king.

시각적 연상

Imagine a king sitting on a throne with many people (subjects) bowing 'under' him. Then imagine those same people holding books for different 'subjects' like Math and Science.

Word Web

Math History Topic King Grammar Research Science Art

챌린지

Try to write a sentence that uses 'subjects' in two different ways, such as: 'The King's subjects studied many subjects at school.'

어원

The word 'subjects' comes from the Old French word 'sujet', which was derived from the Latin 'subiectus'. The Latin root is composed of 'sub' (under) and 'iacere' (to throw). Therefore, the literal meaning is 'thrown under'.

원래 의미: Originally, it referred to someone who was under the power or authority of another, specifically a monarch.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

문화적 맥락

When referring to people in research, 'participants' is often preferred over 'subjects' to avoid sounding dehumanizing.

In the US, students often say 'classes' or 'courses' more than 'subjects' in casual speech, but 'subjects' is still used in formal education contexts.

The phrase 'The Queen's subjects' is a common trope in British literature and film. In the movie 'The Matrix', the characters are often treated as 'subjects' of a massive experiment. Grammar textbooks globally use 'Subject-Verb-Object' as the standard way to explain English syntax.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Education

  • Core subjects
  • Elective subjects
  • Major subjects
  • School subjects

Conversation

  • Change the subject
  • Drop the subject
  • On the subject of
  • Sore subject

Science/Research

  • Test subjects
  • Human subjects
  • Experimental subjects
  • Research subjects

Grammar

  • Grammatical subjects
  • Compound subjects
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Sentence subjects

Politics/History

  • Loyal subjects
  • British subjects
  • Subjects of the crown
  • Colonial subjects

대화 시작하기

"What were your favorite subjects when you were a student in high school?"

"Do you think schools should focus more on practical subjects like finance?"

"Is there a subject that you find very difficult to talk about with your family?"

"If you could study any new subjects right now, what would they be?"

"How do you feel when someone suddenly changes the subject during a deep conversation?"

일기 주제

Write about the school subjects that have had the biggest impact on your life and career.

Describe a time when you had to broach a difficult subject with a friend or colleague.

Reflect on the difference between being a 'subject' of a government and being a 'citizen'.

List three subjects you are curious about and explain why you want to learn more about them.

Write a short story where the main characters are 'subjects' in a mysterious scientific experiment.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'subject' is the singular form. You use 'subjects' when talking about more than one area of study, multiple topics, or a group of people under a king. For example, 'I have many subjects' versus 'This is my favorite subject.'

A subject is traditionally someone under the rule of a monarch, implying a relationship of obedience. A citizen is a member of a state (usually a republic) who has specific rights and responsibilities. In modern monarchies like the UK, the terms are often used interchangeably in casual speech, but 'citizen' is more common in legal contexts.

In scientific papers, 'subjects' refers to the individuals or animals being studied. However, for human research, many journals now require the word 'participants' to emphasize that the people involved gave their consent. You should check the specific style guide of the journal you are writing for.

It is an idiom that means to start talking about something different. People usually do this when the current topic is boring, uncomfortable, or likely to lead to an argument. For example, 'She didn't want to talk about her exam results, so she changed the subject to the weather.'

Yes, the singular 'subject' can be a verb, but it is pronounced differently (sub-JECT). It means to make someone or something experience something unpleasant. For example, 'The metal was subjected to extreme pressure.' The plural noun 'subjects' is always pronounced SUB-jects.

Core subjects are the most important areas of study that every student must take in school, such as Mathematics, Science, and English. They are the foundation of the curriculum and are usually mandatory for all students regardless of their interests.

A grammatical subject is the part of a sentence that performs the action of the verb. In the sentence 'The dog barked,' 'The dog' is the subject. Every complete sentence in English must have a subject, even if it is just a pronoun like 'he' or 'it'.

The subject line is important because it tells the recipient what the email is about before they open it. A clear subject line helps people organize their inbox and decide which messages are urgent. It acts as a title for the communication.

It is a formal way of saying 'about' or 'regarding'. It is often used to introduce a new topic that is related to what was just discussed. For example, 'On the subject of the upcoming holiday, have you booked your flights?'

Yes, in scientific research, animals used in experiments are frequently referred to as 'subjects'. For example, 'The subjects in the maze experiment were laboratory rats.' This is a standard technical usage in biology and psychology.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence about your favorite school subjects.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain what a 'subject line' in an email is used for.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a situation where you might want to 'change the subject'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'subjects' to refer to people under a King.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Compare the words 'subjects' and 'participants' in a research context.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short paragraph about the subjects you are currently studying.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What is the difference between a 'subject' and an 'object' in grammar? Give an example.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the phrase 'on the subject of'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Discuss why some subjects are mandatory in school while others are elective.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal email subject line for a job application.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain the historical meaning of the word 'subjects' in a monarchy.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence where 'subjects' refers to the focus of a piece of art.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What are some 'sensitive subjects' that people often avoid in conversation?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with a compound subject (e.g., 'Math and Science...').

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the 'subject matter' of your favorite book or movie.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'subjects' in a scientific context.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

How do you feel about the subjects you had to study in high school?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the idiom 'drop the subject'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain the importance of subject-verb agreement in English.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'sore subject' for a character in a story.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell me about your favorite subjects at school and why you liked them.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

How do you usually change the subject when a conversation becomes boring?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe the subjects you would like to study if you went back to university.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain the difference between a 'subject' and a 'citizen' in your own words.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Talk about a 'sore subject' that you prefer not to discuss with others.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What are the core subjects in the education system of your country?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe the subject of a famous painting that you know.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

How many subjects did you have to study for your final exams?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Why is it important for researchers to protect their human subjects?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What is the subject of the last book you read?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Give an example of a sentence and identify its subject and object.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Do you think art and music should be mandatory subjects in school?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

How do you write a good subject line for an important email?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What are some subjects that are currently popular in the news?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Talk about a time you had to broach a difficult subject with someone.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What subjects do you think will be important for students in the future?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain the meaning of 'subject to change' with an example.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Who are the 'subjects' of the British Queen or King?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What is your favorite subject to talk about with your friends?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe a scientific experiment and what the subjects had to do.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'My favorite subjects are math and science.' What are the subjects?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the dialogue: 'A: How is your work? B: Let's change the subject.' What did B do?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the news report: 'The King greeted his subjects.' Who did the King greet?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the teacher: 'Today's subject is the French Revolution.' What is the topic?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the researcher: 'The subjects were given a questionnaire.' What did the subjects do?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the email notification: 'Subject: Your appointment.' What is the email about?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The subject of the sentence is the dog.' What is the subject?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the art critic: 'The subjects of his paintings are often children.' Who are the subjects?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the announcement: 'Prices are subject to change.' What might happen to the prices?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the student: 'I have five subjects this year.' How many subjects does the student have?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the phrase: 'On the subject of money...' What is the speaker going to talk about?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The subjects of the study were all male.' Who was in the study?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the conversation: 'It's a sore subject for her.' How does she feel about the topic?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the teacher: 'Which subjects are mandatory?' What is the teacher asking?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The subjects of the treaty were trade and peace.' What was the treaty about?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

관련 콘텐츠

Education 관련 단어

abalihood

C1

아발리후드는 기술 습득을 위한 잠재력의 상태를 설명합니다. 이는 아직 숙달을 보여주지 않았더라도 효과적으로 학습할 수 있도록 개인을 미리 준비시키는 타고난 인지적 기반입니다.

abcedation

C1

Abcedation은 알파벳 순서로 무언가를 가르치거나 배우거나 배열하는 행위를 의미합니다. 이는 주로 기록 보관, 언어학 또는 역사 교육 맥락에서 체계적인 조직이나 초기 문해력을 설명하는 데 사용되는 잘 알려지지 않았거나 전문적인 용어입니다.

abcognful

C1

Abcognful은 개인이 특정 순간에 의식적으로 처리하거나 작업 기억(working memory)에 보유할 수 있는 추상적 인지 데이터의 최대량을 의미합니다. 이는 개념적 합성 및 정신적 민첩성의 상한선을 정량화하기 위해 심리 측정 테스트에서 사용되는 전문 용어입니다. <br><br> Abcognful의 개념을 이해하는 것은 특정 지적 작업이 다른 작업보다 더 까다로운 이유와 개인이 복잡한 아이디어를 동시에 처리하는 능력에서 어떻게 다른지를 이해하는 데 중요합니다.

ability

A1

능력은 무언가를 하는 데 필요한 신체적 또는 정신적 힘이나 기술입니다. 재능이나 훈련을 통해 사람이 성취할 수 있는 것을 설명합니다.

abspirary

C1

연구나 운영의 주요 초점에서 벗어나는 부차적 또는 접선적 목표와 관련된 것.

abstract

B2

연구 논문이나 보고서의 주요 내용과 결과를 요약한 짧은 글입니다.

abstruse

C1

‘abstruse’는 지적이거나 복잡하거나 모호하여 이해하기 어려운 것을 묘사할 때 사용됩니다.

academic

A2

학업의, 또는 학교나 대학과 관련된 것을 의미합니다.

accreditation

B2

인증은 기관이 특정 품질 표준을 충족한다는 공식적인 승인입니다.

acquire

A2

Acquire는 노력이나 구매를 통해 무언가(기술이나 지식 등)를 얻는 것을 의미합니다.

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