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Getting Smarter through Language

Practice 1: Simple and Complex Subjects and Subject-Verb Agreement

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

The most difficult step in these written assignments is coming up with a good idea for writing.

Complex subject:The most difficult step in these written assignments

Simple subject: (the) step

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 students failing this course tells you how hard it must be.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The large number of students failing this course

Simple subject: (the large) number

2. The house I was interested in buying has already been sold.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The house I was interested in buying

Simple subject: (the) house

3. Voting in local elections is as important as voting in federal elections.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: Voting in local elections

Simple subject: Voting

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

decorative image

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: An asteroid the size of Mount Everest

Simple subject: (An) asteroid

5. The extinction of the dinosaurs is widely believed to have been caused by a number of factors.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The extinction of the dinosaurs

Simple subject: (The) extinction

6. The emergence of the humans, specifically Homo sapiens, is estimated to have occurred around 300,000 to 200,000 years ago.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The emergence of humans, specifically Homo sapiens

Simple subject: (The) emergence

7. The ancient Greek philosopher and scholar, Aristotle, is considered to be one of the earliest figures to have contributed significantly to the field of etymology.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: The ancient Greek philosopher and scholar, Aristotle

Simple subject: Aristotle

8. Because it rained all week, all creeks and rivers in the area have overflowed and caused a great deal of damage.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: all creeks and rivers in the area

Simple subject: (all) creeks and rivers

9. Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century was responsible for an important breakthrough in the dissemination of knowledge.

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century

Simple subject: invention

10. All lunar missions since 1972 have consisted of uncrewed probes used to explore the moon’s surface and study its geology and natural resources.

decorative image

Complex subject:
  Simple subject:

Complex subject: All lunar missions since 1972

Simple subject: (All lunar) missions

A different exercise?
Practice 1. Simple subject Practice 2. Simple subject Practice 3. Subject-verb agreement Practice 4. Subject-verb agreement   Back to the lesson
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