Subject slot in a sentence is typically filled by a nominal – noun phrase, gerund phrase, infinitive phrase, and noun clause. But sometimes adverbials, including adverbs, can be subject.
Learn more: Can an adjective be subject?
In informal use, adverbs, prepositional phrases, and adverb clauses – all three can function adverbially – can be subject of a sentence under one of the two conditions:
- The adverbial is a fragment of an implied phrase or clause.
- The adverbial is replaced by dummy subject it and itself is extraposed to the end of the main clause.
Here are few examples. Each example is followed by its alternate form (sometimes one, sometimes both) to see if it fits one of the above two conditions.
1. Tomorrow is match. [Adverb as subject]
It is match tomorrow.
2. Now is the time to decide. [Adverb as subject]
It is time to decide now.
3. Everywhere was chaos after the storm. [Adverb as subject]
It was chaos everywhere after the storm.
4. Slowly is how the turtle moved across the yard. [Adverb as subject]
Walking slowly is how the turtle moved across the yard. [Adverb slowly is a fragment of implied phrase Walking slowly]
5. At the top of the hill seems fun. [Prepositional phrase as subject]
Time at the top of the hill seems fun.
It seems fun at the top of hill.
6. Across the river is the new park. [Prepositional phrase as subject]
Space across the river is the new park.
It’s the new park across the river.
7. Under the bridge is where they found the lost treasure. [Prepositional phrase as subject]
Spot under the bridge is where they found the lost treasure. [Fragment]
It is under the bridge where they found the lost treasure. [where can be dropped]
8. After the rain stops will be right time to play. [Adverb clause as subject]
It will be right time to play after the rain stops.
As exciting as they may seem because of their unconventional syntax, sentences with adverbial as subject are used informally.
