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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Grammar

Hello,

I am reviewing my daughters homework and wondering why some problems were incorrect. The directions are to circle the subject in each sentence.

Problem:

I think both countries realize that this can escalate into a major conflict.

Correct solution:

"I" is the subject.

My daughter circled "countries." Why is this incorrect?

Many thanks in advance for your help!
  

Top answer

" Why is this incorrect? It's not the subject of the entire sentence. It's the subject of a subordinate clause that describes what 'I' think.

— CalifJim

  • " Why is this incorrect?
  • It's not the subject of the entire sentence.
  • It's the subject of a subordinate clause that describes what 'I' think.
  • There is even a third subject in the sentence, but it, too, is a subject of a subordinate clause and not the subject of the whole sentence.
  • Only the subject of the first clause counts as the subject of the sentence.
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2 Answers
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AnonymousMy daughter circled "countries." Why is this incorrect?
It's not the subject of the entire sentence. It's the subject of a subordinate clause that describes what 'I' think. There is even a third subject in the sentence, but it, too, is a subject of a subordinate clause and not the subject of the whole sentence. Only the subject of the first clause
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"I" is the subject of the whole sentence.

The verb of the whole sentence is "think", which is in the highest level(main clause.)

"both countries" is the subject of the verb "realize" which is the verb of subordinating clause.

The structure of the sentence can be described as follows:

[I think [ both countries realize [ that
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