Simple Subject

The main word or words in a sentence that tell who or what is doing or being something is called the simple subject, distinguished from the "complete subject" that includes modifiers. In the sentence below, Yoli names who plays the trumpet.

Brown-eyed Yoli | plays the trumpet.

Here are additional examples:

  • A generous person shares with others.
  • Daniel Boone explored Kentucky.
  • A shaggy donkey brays at midnight.
  • History is fascinating.
  • A moral person treats others fairly.
  • Queen Esther saved her people.
  • The jiggly jellyfish slid off my dish.
  • Geometry is fun.
  • The woman behind the podium began to address the assembly.
  • Citizens will vote in November.
  • The creator of the painting donated it to the charity auction.
  • Drivers must respect the speed limit.
  • In 1776, the thirteen colonies were disenchanted with British rule.
  • Delegates from the colonies gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Understood Subject

In an imperative sentence, the subject, you, is understood:

  • (You) Drive carefully.
  • (You) Please help me.
  • (You) Drink plenty of water.
  • (You) Study the Great Compromise.
  • (You) Please research the Declaration of Independence.

Examples

Write the simple subjects of each sentence.

  1. A good tennis player practices every day.
  2. The basketball player shoots baskets every day.
  3. Corn grows most rapidly on warm nights.
  4. Please give me your name and address.
  5. The colonists fought for their independence.
  6. Remember the fervency of the patriots.

Solutions

  1. Who or what practices every day? A good tennis player does, so player is the answer. (The word "tennis" tells what kind of player.)
  2. Who or what shoots baskets? The basketball player does, so player is the answer. (The word "basketball" tells what kind of player.)
  3. Who or what grows rapidly? Corn does, so corn is the answer.
  4. This is an imperative sentence. Therefore, the subject, you, is understood.
  5. Who or what fought for their independence? The colonists did.
  6. This is an imperative sentence. Therefore, the subject, you, is understood.