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Getting Smarter through Language

Practice 1: Subject-Verb Agreement with Simple and Complex subjects.

Instructions. Finding the simple subject

Based on this lesson about complex subjects and subject-ver agreement, identify (a) the complex subject and the (b) simple subject of each item below.

Examples

Item 1

The problem with this application is very serious.

Complex subject: The problem with this application

Simple subject: (the) problem

Item 2

A number of people in my class have failed the exam.

Complex subject:A number of people

Simple subject: people

When you finished an item, click “Answer.”

Note. Your answers will not be submitted. When you leave this page, they will be deleted.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

1. The large number of mistakes in my students’ tests makes me believe they have not learned the lesson well.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The large number of mistakes in my students’ tests

Simple subject: (the large) number

2. The course I wanted to take this summer is already full.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The course I wanted to take this summer

Simple subject: (the) course

3. Using standard grammar and accurate vocabulary is essential for academic writing in any language.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: Using standard grammar and accurate vocabulary

Simple subject: Using

4. An asteroid the size of Mount Everest is believed to have contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: An asteroid the size of Mount Everest

Simple subject: (An) asteroid

5. The extinction of the dinosaurs was likely caused by a number of factors.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The extinction of the dinosaurs

Simple subject: (The) extinction

6. Several findings in a recent study have shown the link between excessive screen time and increased rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: Several findings in a recent study

Simple subject: findings

7. A number of residents in the small town were fined for not mowing their lawns.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: A number of residents in the small town

Simple subject: residents (Note. In this sentence, “a number of” has the meaning of “many” or “a lot.”

8. Walking by themselves in the streets late at night makes many people nervous.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: Walking by themselves in the streets late at night

Simple subject:  Walking

9. The students’ lack of attention during the examination has resulted in failing scores.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The students’ lack of attention during the examination

Simple subject: (Their) lack

10. The number of the employees working on the project was cut in half.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The number of the employees working on the project

Simple subject: (The) number

Lesson (this page) Practice 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Practice 4
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