Practice 2: 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.
Example
The problem with this application is very serious.
Complex subject: The problem with this application
Simple subject: (the) problem
When you finished an item, click “Answer.”
Note. Your answers will not be submitted. When you leave this page, they will be deleted.
1. Studying new languages at any age has been shown to improve brain functions such as attention control and problem-solving abilities.
Complex subject: Studying new languages at any age
Simple subject: studying
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2. The number of violent crimes in major American cities has declined steadily in recent years.
Complex subject: The number of violent crimes in major American cities
Simple subject: (The) number
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3. American workers affected by the recent economic downturn have faced significant challenges in regaining financial stability.
Complex subject: American workers affected by the recent economic downturn
Simple subject: workers
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4. A large number of patients were admitted to the hospital during last winter’s flu outbreak.
Complex subject: A large number of patients
Simple subject: patients (Note. In this sentence, “a large number" has a similar meaning as “a lot” or “many.”)
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5. The high cost of living in many South American countries has led to financial strain for those with lower incomes.
Complex subject: The high cost of living in many South American countries
Simple subject: (The high) cost
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6. Any student taking more than four courses is required to complete an orientation session before the beginning of the semester.
Complex subject: Any student taking more than four courses
Simple subject: (Any) student
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7. Correcting punctuation and grammar mistakes is essential to produce clear and polished writing.
Complex subject: Correcting punctuation and grammar mistakes
Simple subject: Correcting
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8. Voters in these large cities have grown increasingly dissatisfied with urban infrastructure and public services.
Complex subject: Voters in these large cities
Simple subject: Voters
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9. One of the main reasons Americans choose not to vote is feeling that their vote won't make a difference.
Complex subject: One of the main reasons Americans choose not to vote
Simple subject: One (of the main reasons)
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10. The height of buildings in large cities often reflects the economic prosperity and urban development of the region.
Complex subject: The height of buildings in large cities
Simple subject: (The) height
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