Section 1
Simple Subject and Complete Subject
Definition
The simple subject is the main word or word group that tells whom or what the sentence is about. The complete subject consists of the simple subject and any words or word groups used to modify the simple subject.
Explanation
Think of the simple subject as the core noun or pronoun of the sentence, while the complete subject includes that core word plus all of its descriptive modifiers. A crucial tip is that the subject is never located within a prepositional phrase. To easily find the subject, mentally cross out any prepositional phrases.
Examples
- The author of the book signed autographs for hours. [The complete subject is The author of the book, but the simple subject is author.]
- Some ~~of the cookies~~ were decorated with sprinkles. [The simple subject is Some, not cookies, because of the cookies is a prepositional phrase.]
- Dr. Evans performed the surgery. [Dr. Evans is both the simple subject and the complete subject.]