What is a Complete Subject? Examples and Definition | 98thPercentile

ElevatEd
English
April 28, 2025

In the world of language, a subject is the foundation of a sentence. It's the person, place, thing, or idea that performs or receives the action described by the verb. Think of it as the "star" of the sentence – the one that drives the action and makes the sentence meaningful.

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But what makes a subject complete? A complete subject is the entire noun phrase that includes the main noun and all the words that modify or describe it. It's the whole package that provides context and clarity to the sentence.

For example:

- "The big, red car" is a complete subject because it includes the main noun "car" and the descriptive words "big" and "red".

- "The teacher" is also a complete subject because it includes the main noun "teacher" and implies a specific individual.

Understanding complete subjects is essential for effective communication, as it helps to:

- Clarify meaning and avoid confusion

- Create more engaging and descriptive writing

- Improve sentence structure and grammar

In the next section, we'll dive deeper into the world of complete subjects, exploring examples, exceptions, and tips for using them effectively in your writing and speaking.

What is a Complete Subject?

A complete subject is the main noun or pronoun in a sentence that performs the action described by the verb. It's the "who" or "what" that the sentence is about. A complete subject typically includes:

A main noun or pronoun (e.g., "the dog," "she")
Any articles or modifiers that describe the noun (e.g., "the big red dog")
Any phrases or clauses that provide more information about the noun (e.g., "the dog that is barking loudly")

In other words, a complete subject is the entire phrase or clause that functions as the subject of the sentence.

Examples:

- "The big red dog" is the complete subject in the sentence "The big red dog is running down the street."

- "She" is the complete subject in the sentence "She is studying for her exam."

- "The students who are struggling in math" is the complete subject in the sentence "The students who are struggling in math need extra help."

Definition and Explanation of a Complete Subject

A complete subject is defined as the noun or pronoun that performs the action described by the verb in a sentence, along with any accompanying words or phrases that modify or describe it.

In simpler terms, a complete subject is the "who" or "what" that the sentence is about. It's the main character or entity that drives the action in the sentence.

To break it down further:

- A complete subject typically includes a main noun or pronoun, such as "the dog," "she," or "the students."

- It may also include articles, such as "the," "a," or "an," which modify the noun.

- Modifiers, such as adjectives or adverbs, may also be part of the complete subject, providing more information about the noun. Examples include "the big red dog" or "the students who are struggling in math."

- Phrases or clauses that provide additional information about the noun may also be included in the complete subject.

By understanding what constitutes a complete subject, you can construct clearer and more effective sentences that convey your intended meaning.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept:

- "The tired teacher" is a complete subject because it includes the main noun "teacher" and the modifier "tired."

- "The book on the table" is a complete subject because it includes the main noun "book" and the prepositional phrase "on the table."

- "The students who are struggling in math" is a complete subject because it includes the main noun "students" and the subordinate clause "who are struggling in math."

In each of these examples, the complete subject provides a clear and specific description of who or what is performing the action in the sentence

Types of Complete Subject

1. Simple Subjects

A simple subject is a single noun or pronoun that functions as the subject of a sentence.

Examples:

- "The dog" is a simple subject in the sentence "The dog is barking loudly."

- "She" is a simple subject in the sentence "She is studying for her exam."

Breakdown:

- In the first example, "The dog" is a simple subject because it's a single noun phrase that functions as the subject.

- In the second example, "She" is a simple subject because it's a single pronoun that functions as the subject.

2. Compound Subjects

A compound subject is a subject that consists of two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction.

Examples:

- "John and Mary" is a compound subject in the sentence "John and Mary are going to the movies."

- "He and she" is a compound subject in the sentence "He and she are working on a project."

Breakdown:

- In the first example, "John and Mary" is a compound subject because it consists of two nouns joined by the conjunction "and".

- In the second example, "He and she" is a compound subject because it consists of two pronouns joined by the conjunction "and".

- Note that compound subjects require a plural verb, even if the individual subjects are singular.

3. Complex Subjects

A complex subject is a subject that consists of a noun or pronoun and a modifying clause or phrase.

Examples:

- "The student who is struggling in math" is a complex subject in the sentence "The student who is struggling in math needs extra help."

- "The book that is on the table" is a complex subject in the sentence "The book that is on the table is mine."

Breakdown:

- In the first example, "The student who is struggling in math" is a complex subject because it consists of a noun phrase ("The student") and a modifying clause ("who is struggling in math").

- In the second example, "The book that is on the table" is a complex subject because it consists of a noun phrase ("The book") and a modifying clause ("that is on the table").

- Note that complex subjects can be noun clauses, adjective clauses, or phrases that modify the main noun.

4. Collective Subjects

A collective subject is a subject that refers to a group of people, animals, or things.

Examples:

- "The team" is a collective subject in the sentence "The team is winning the game."

- "The family" is a collective subject in the sentence "The family is going on vacation."

Breakdown:

- In the first example, "The team" is a collective subject because it refers to a group of people (the team members).

- In the second example, "The family" is a collective subject because it refers to a group of people (the family members).

- Note that collective subjects can be singular or plural, depending on the context and the verb agreement.

In conclusion, a complete subject is the foundation of a sentence, providing clarity and specificity about who or what is performing the action. Understanding the different types of complete subjects - simple, compound, complex, and collective - can help you construct more effective sentences and communicate your ideas with precision. By mastering the concept of complete subjects, you'll be well on your way to becoming a clearer and more confident writer and communicator.

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FAQs

Q1: What is a complete subject in a sentence?

Ans: A complete subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action described by the verb in a sentence, along with any accompanying words or phrases that modify or describe it.

Q2: What are the different types of complete subjects?

Ans: There are four main types of complete subjects: simple subjects (a single noun or pronoun), compound subjects (two or more nouns or pronouns joined by a conjunction), complex subjects (a noun or pronoun with a modifying clause or phrase), and collective subjects (a group of people, animals, or things).

Q3: Why is it important to identify the complete subject in a sentence?

Ans: Identifying the complete subject helps to clarify the meaning of the sentence, ensures correct verb agreement, and improves overall sentence structure and grammar.

Q4: Can a complete subject be a pronoun?

Ans: Yes, a complete subject can be a pronoun, such as "he," "she," or "it."

Q5: How do I determine if a word or phrase is a complete subject?

Ans: To determine if a word or phrase is a complete subject, ask yourself: "Who or what is performing the action described by the verb?" If the word or phrase answers this question, it is likely the complete subject.