Subjects

Simple Complete

Compound

Subjects

Every sentence has two basic parts: the subject and the predicate.

The subject tells who or what the sentence is about.

Subjects

EXAMPLES:Hank Aaron was a magnificent

baseball player. [Hank Aaron is who the sentence is about.]

His record of 755 home runs has never been broken. [His record of 755 home runs is what the sentence is about.]

Subjects

You may find the subject at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the sentence.

The Understood Subject

In an imperative sentence (making a command or request), the subject is always “you,” even if the word “you” never appears in the sentence. Therefore, “you” is the understood subject.Ex: Before it rains, bring your bike in.

Locating the Subject

The simple subject of a sentence will NEVER be located inside a prepositional phrase.

However, the complete subject may include a prepositional phrase.Ex: According to the map, Tony’s farm is just ahead. [according to the map is a prepositional phrase that is part of the complete subject, but the subject is not inside the prepositional phrase]

Subjects

EXAMPLES:Mike will be first at bat.Behind the baseball

diamond, the stands are packed with fans. In the outfield is our best catcher.

Exercise A

EXAMPLE:Inside the book was a map of

the solar system.

[What was inside the book? A map]

Exercise A1. Throughout the solar system are nine

planets. 2. Just before sunrise and just after

sunset, planets are visible.3. With a telescope, you can see Saturn's

rings.4. Pictures of the Martian landscape may

amaze you.5. Two satellites orbit the planet Mars.

Exercise A1. Throughout the solar system are nine

planets. 2. Just before sunrise and just after

sunset, planets are visible.3. With a telescope, you can see Saturn's

rings.4. Pictures of the Martian landscape may

amaze you.5. Two satellites orbit the planet Mars.

Complete Subjects and Simple Subjects

The complete subject of a sentence consists of all the words needed to tell whom or what the sentence is about.

The simple subject is part of the complete subject. It is the main word or word group that tells whom or what the sentence is about.

Complete Subjects and Simple Subjects

EXAMPLES:The crisp, white curtains fluttered in the

breeze. [The complete subject is The crisp, white curtains, and the simple subject is curtains.]

Are Vickie's friends from school making her a birthday card? [The complete subject is Vickie's friends from school, and the simple subject is friends.]

Complete Subjects and Simple Subjects

Sometimes the same word or word group makes up both the simple subject and the complete subject.

Complete Subjects and Simple Subjects

EXAMPLE: Aunt Clara pulled many

weeds from her garden.

[Aunt Clara is both the complete subject and the simple subject.]

Exercise B

EXAMPLE:A basket of peaches sat upon the

orchard wall.

[A basket of peaches tells what the sentence is about. The main word in the complete subject is basket]

Exercise B1. Many colorful balloons floated above the

dance floor.2. When are the Connors moving to

Arizona?3. Dust covered the furniture in the old

house.4. Above the sofa in the den hangs a

painting of a country landscape.5. Did you speak to Evan about our plans for

tonight?

Exercise B1. Many colorful balloons floated above the

dance floor.2. When are the Connors moving to

Arizona?3. Dust covered the furniture in the old

house.4. Above the sofa in the den hangs a

painting of a country landscape.5. Did you speak to Evan about our plans

for tonight?

Compound Subjects

A compound subject consists of two or more subjects that are joined by a connecting word and that have the same verb.

The parts of a compound subject are usually connected by and or or.

Compound Subjects

EXAMPLE:Mushrooms, broccoli, or onions

would taste good on your potato.

[Mushrooms, broccoli, and onions are the three parts of the compound subject. They have the same verb, would taste.]

Exercise C

EXAMPLE:Several basketballs, some

volleyballs, and nets are stored in the gym.

[Basketballs, volleyballs, and nets make up the compound subject of the verb are stored]

Exercise C

1. Noel and Kendall are starring in the play.

2. Sweaters or jackets are on sale this week.

3. Are maps, dictionaries, and encyclopedias in the reference section?

4. Under the rug were dust and dirt.5. During the open house, parents and

relatives viewed the students' work.

Exercise C1. Noel and Kendall are starring in the

play. 2. Sweaters or jackets are on sale this

week.3. Are maps, dictionaries, and

encyclopedias in the reference section?4. Under the rug were dust and dirt.5. During the open house, parents and

relatives viewed the students' work.