What is the definition of 'subject' in the context of a clause?

In the context of a clause, the term 'subject' refers to a person, thing, or idea that the clause is discussing or describing. Essentially, the subject is the focus of the sentence, either performing an action or being described in a particular way. For example, in the sentence "The dog barks," "the dog" is the subject because it is the entity performing the action of barking. This understanding of the subject is crucial for constructing meaningful sentences and comprehending their structure. Recognizing the subject also helps readers understand who or what is involved in the given clause, thus enhancing comprehension of both spoken and written language.