Question

That container of fried rice has spent six weeks in the back of the refrigerator.

I need help finding the complete subject and the simple subject.

Answer 1

First, find the main verb.

Then identify the subject.

Let us know what you decide.

Answer 2

I really don't know. I'm so lost.

Answer 3

To find the verb: http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/verb.htm

Then to find the subject:
http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/subject.htm

Answer 4

So, the subject is fried rice??

Answer 5

No. Read again.

And remember that words in prepositional phrases are never subjects.

Answer 6

okay, so of fried rice is prepositional and in the back of the refrigerator is as well.

so that only leaves that container
which container could be the subject. Am I close?

Answer 7

Container is the simple subject.

Answer 8

Yes ... container is the simple subject.

The complete subject is the simple subject and everything that modifies/describes it.

Answer 9

ok so that means the only thing left to make the complete subject is six weeks. Because, everything else in the sentence is prepositional phrases.

Answer 10

All the words up to the verb make up the complete subject.

That container of fried rice ...

Answer 11

Okay.. So sometimes the simple subjects and the complete subject can run together like that.

Sorry, I'm just really trying to learn this.

Answer 12

Complete subjects and predicates contain prepositional phrases.

For heaven's sake, you asked for help and then apparently have not read the information Writeacher gave you!

Answer 13

I did read it, but, I got confused because in the information it states the subject is never part of a prepositional phrase. That's why I asked.

Answer 14

The simple subject is not part of a prepositional phrase. But complete subjects often include prepositional phrases.

Answer 15

Okay, makes since. Thank you for your help.