What is the basic distinction made by the term 'nominative case'?

The term "nominative case" refers specifically to the grammatical case used for subjects of a verb in a sentence. When a noun or pronoun is in the nominative case, it is typically the subject that performs the action of the verb. This is crucial in constructing sentences because understanding who or what is performing the action helps clarify the meaning. For example, in the sentence "The dog barks," "the dog" is the subject, and it is in the nominative case because it is performing the action of barking.

This distinction helps differentiate the roles that nouns and pronouns play in a sentence, thereby providing clarity and coherence in both written and spoken communication. Knowing how to properly identify and use the nominative case aids in constructing grammatically correct sentences and enhances overall language proficiency.