Complete and Simple Subjects

Complete Subjects the noun or pronoun that performs the action and contains all the words that help to identify the main person, place, thing, or idea in the sentence.

Examples… The complete subject in each sentence is italicized. Many teachers and two principals from our school attended the musical concert. Giraffes and monkeys in the local zoo captured the children's interest yesterday. This novel's last few chapters are replete with great sensory language.

Simple Subjects the main word within the complete subject.

Examples… The simple subject is italicized in each of these sentences. This taco from the local store was quite tasty. Some people never cease to amaze me. These two swimmers graduated from the same high school. Around the corner is the local theater.

Practice On your paper write the Complete Subject (CS) and the Simple Subject (SS) Threatening skies changed our picnic plans. Many engineers from neighboring communities have visited our sanitation plant over the last few years. Huge trucks blocked our roadway for an hour during last week's terrible snowstorm. The Padres will win the championship in our local softball league this season. The talented actress signed autographs for thirty minutes after the play

Answers Complete subject: Threatening skies; Simple subject: skies Complete subject: Many engineers from neighboring communities; Simple subject: engineers Complete subject: Huge trucks; Simple subject: trucks Complete subject: The Padres; Simple subject: Padres Complete subject: The talented actress; Simple subject: actress