Understanding Complete Subjects: Definition, Examples, and Tips

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 4 min read

Have you ever wondered what makes a sentence complete and easy to understand? One of the key elements is a complete subject. In this blog post, we'll explore the definition of complete subjects and examine some helpful examples and tips to better understand what is a complete subject. So, let's dive in!

Definition of Complete Subjects

A complete subject is the main focus of a sentence, which includes the main noun or pronoun along with any accompanying words or phrases that provide additional information or context. There are two types of complete subjects: simple subjects and compound subjects.

Simple Subjects

A simple subject is the most basic form of a subject, consisting of just one noun or pronoun that tells us who or what the sentence is about. Here are some key points to remember about simple subjects:

It can be a single word or a noun phrase.
It does not include any additional words or modifiers.
It is the core element of a complete subject.

Compound Subjects

On the other hand, a compound subject includes two or more nouns or pronouns that are connected by conjunctions like "and" or "or." This type of subject helps create more complex sentences and adds variety to your writing. Here's what you should know about compound subjects:

They contain two or more simple subjects.
They are connected by conjunctions (e.g., and, or).
They can make sentences more interesting and dynamic.

Now that we've covered the basics of what is a complete subject, let's take a look at some examples to help clarify the concept further.

Examples of Complete Subjects

Understanding complete subjects becomes easier when you see them in action. Let's take a look at some examples of simple and compound subjects in sentences.

Examples of Simple Subjects

Here are a few examples of sentences with simple subjects:

The cat slept on the couch.
Mary loves to read books.
Ice cream is a popular dessert.

In these sentences, the simple subjects are "the cat," "Mary," and "ice cream." They are the main focus of each sentence, and the rest of the sentence provides additional information about them.

Examples of Compound Subjects

Now let's examine some sentences with compound subjects:

Tom and Jerry are best friends.
Apples, oranges, and bananas are in the fruit bowl.
Mom or Dad will pick you up from school.

In these examples, the compound subjects are "Tom and Jerry," "apples, oranges, and bananas," and "Mom or Dad." Each sentence has multiple subjects connected by conjunctions, making the sentences more complex and engaging.

Now that we've seen some examples, let's move on to some helpful tips for identifying complete subjects in sentences.

Tips for Identifying Complete Subjects

What is a complete subject, and how can you identify one in a sentence? Here are some practical tips that will help you recognize complete subjects with ease.

Finding the Verb

Verbs are crucial for understanding complete subjects. They show the action or state of being in a sentence. To identify the complete subject, first find the verb, and then ask yourself who or what is performing the action or being described. The answer to this question will give you the complete subject.

Looking for Nouns

Nouns are the backbone of complete subjects. They're the people, places, things, or ideas that are the main focus of a sentence. When trying to identify the complete subject, look for nouns that are directly connected to the verb. These nouns are usually the simple or compound subjects of the sentence.

Using Diagramming Techniques

Sentence diagramming is a useful tool for breaking down the components of a sentence and identifying the complete subject. By visually representing the structure of a sentence, you can easily see the relationship between the verb and the subject. There are many resources available to learn about sentence diagramming, including online tutorials, books, and worksheets.

With these tips in your arsenal, you'll be better equipped to identify complete subjects in any sentence. But if you're still looking for more guidance, don't worry—there are plenty of resources available to help you improve your understanding of complete subjects.

Resources to Improve Understanding

Want to further improve your understanding of complete subjects? Here are some excellent resources that can help you sharpen your skills and gain a more profound grasp of this important grammar concept.

Grammarly

Grammarly is a popular online writing assistant that helps you identify and correct grammar, punctuation, and style errors. With its advanced AI technology, Grammarly can help you detect instances where your complete subject may be incorrect or unclear, making it an invaluable tool for better understanding and mastering complete subjects.

Purdue OWL

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a comprehensive writing resource that provides detailed information on grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. It offers clear explanations, examples, and exercises on complete subjects, making it an excellent resource for learning and practicing this essential grammar concept.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a well-known online learning platform that offers free courses on a wide range of subjects, including grammar. Their engaging video lessons and interactive exercises can help you gain a deeper understanding of complete subjects and other grammar topics, allowing you to hone your skills at your own pace.

By using these resources and practicing regularly, you'll be well on your way to mastering complete subjects and improving your overall writing skills. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to put your newfound knowledge to the test!

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