What is a complete subject?

A complete subject in grammar includes the simple subject (the main noun or pronoun) and all of its modifiers. These modifiers provide additional information about the subject, describing it, quantifying it, or otherwise specifying it.

Here's a breakdown:

• Simple Subject: The main noun or pronoun that the sentence is about. For example, in "The big red dog barked loudly," the simple subject is "dog."

• Modifiers: Words, phrases, or clauses that add detail to the simple subject. These can include:

  • Adjectives: Describe the qualities of the subject (e.g., "big," "red" in the example above).
  • Adjective Phrases: Groups of words that function as adjectives (e.g., "of my neighbor" in "The dog of my neighbor barked").
  • Adjective Clauses: Clauses that function as adjectives (e.g., "that chased the squirrel" in "The dog that chased the squirrel barked").
  • Appositives: Nouns or noun phrases that rename or explain the subject (e.g., "a golden retriever" in "The dog, a golden retriever, barked").
  • Participial Phrases: Phrases beginning with a participle (verb form ending in -ing or -ed) that modify the subject (e.g., "wagging its tail" in "The dog, wagging its tail, barked").

Examples:

• Simple Subject: Cat

• Complete Subject: The fluffy Persian cat with emerald eyes

• Simple Subject: Students

• Complete Subject: All the diligent students in Mrs. Smith's advanced literature class

• Simple Subject: He

• Complete Subject: He, despite his initial apprehension, finally agreed.

In essence, the complete subject answers the question "Who or what...?" It provides a full picture of the subject of the sentence, including all descriptive information. Understanding the complete subject helps clarify the meaning and focus of the sentence.