Question

What is the difference between a simple and a complete subject?

Answer 1

A simple subject is the noun or pronoun that the sentence is about.
A complete subject may be a noun, pronoun, a noun phrase, or a noun clause.

Explanation:

"John walked his dog."
- the simple subject is the noun "John"
- the complete subject is the noun "John"
"It was a dachshund."
- the simple subject is the pronoun "it"
- the complete subject is the pronoun "it"

The house needs painting.
- the simple subject is the noun "house"
- the complete subject is the noun phrase "the house"
A good coat of paint will make a big difference.
- the simple subject is the noun "coat"
- the complete subject is noun phrase "a good coat of paint"
Someone to help us will make the job go quickly.
- the simple subject is the pronoun "someone"
- the complete subject is the noun clause "someone to help us"