Omitted subjects
In many classical languages the subject can be dropped when the reader can guess it. In English you must say "she"; in old texts a verb alone could carry the action. The reader asks: who is doing this?
Where to look: (1) the sentence before, (2) who is the main person of the scene, (3) the verb's form, (4) the relationship between people.
Honorific cues
Old courts had strict ranks, so verbs changed to show respect.
- Respect (honorific) words are used for the action of a person higher than the speaker.
- Humble words are used for the speaker's own actions, or an action toward a higher person.
- Plain words show an ordinary level.
So if a verb has a respect marker, the doer is of high rank. A humble marker means the doer lowers themselves. This is the fastest way to restore a missing subject.
Putting the clues together
Use the checklist: Look back (who was last mentioned?), Look at the verb (respect, humble or plain?), Look at the scene (who has this rank?). Then check that the restored sentence makes sense.
Try it
Take three short sentences from a story you know in your own language. Remove the subject. Ask a friend to find the doer using only the verb clues. Then use the 3D buttons to match each verb level to the right person.
Key formulas and definitions
- Respect word = doer is higher
- Humble word = doer lowers self (speaker or servant)
- Plain = ordinary person
- Checklist: look back, look at the verb, look at the scene
Worked examples
1. A sentence has a verb with a respect word. The scene has a servant and an Emperor. Who is the likely doer?
The Emperor. A respect word is used for a person of higher rank.
2. A verb has a humble word. The scene has the speaker, a servant and an Emperor, and the action is "offered a gift". Who gave?
The speaker or the servant. A humble word shows the doer lowering themselves in front of the Emperor.
3. A plain verb "looked at the moon" follows the line "My friend stood by the window." Who looked?
The friend. The line before names the friend and the verb is plain.
Common mistakes
- Thinking an omitted subject is a mistake. It was normal in old writing.
- Using the same person for every verb without checking the verb's level.
- Mixing respect and humble words. Respect raises the doer; humble lowers the doer.
- Not reading the line before. It often names the doer.