subjektiable

Subjektiable is a term used in theoretical linguistics to describe a unit that can fill the grammatical subject position of a clause in a language. In practice, subjektiables are typically noun phrases or pronoun phrases that bear the subject role within the syntax of the language. The concept provides a lens for comparing how different languages assign subjecthood and how syntactic positions align with semantic roles such as agent or theme.

In cross-linguistic analysis, subjektiable items are contrasted with elements that do not occupy subject slot, such as expletives or topics in certain word orders. For example, in a language with clear nominative marking, a noun phrase that bears nominative Case and serves as the agent of the verb would be considered subjektiable. In languages with pro-drop or rich case systems, the identity of a subjektiable may be implied by verbal endings or case morphology rather than explicit surface form.

Origin and usage of the term subjektiable are relatively recent; it is not part of standard grammar descriptions and is mainly used in discussions about subjecthood, argumentative structure, and the mechanics of sentence formation. The term helps linguists distinguish between grammatical subjects and other elements that can appear in subject-like positions under certain analyses. See also: subject, syntactic role, subjecthood, grammar.