What is the simple subject?

Question

Bunches of flowers cover the float.Several of the children have balloons.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

What do you think, first?

Clive

Avangi · Answer

We'd prefer that in future you indicate what you think the answer should be.

The simple subjects are "bunches" and "several."

"Flowers" and "children" are tempting, surely, but both of them are serving as object of the preposition "of." The prepositional phrases describe the "true" simple subjects.

Edit.Sorry, Clive.

Bethgazo · Answer

Sorry.  My answers would be flowers and children since they're both noun and bunches and several are  adjectives. I am not sure of it. Now it make sense because of your answers. Thank you!

Avangi · Answer

Hi, Bethgazo. Welcome to English Forums. Thanks for joining us! [<:o)]

"Several" can be an adjective in sentences like this:
I have several boyfriends.
I have several bunches of flowers.

If you take away the nouns in the above sentences, "several" becomes a noun again, acting as the direct object of the verb:
How many boyfriends do you have? (reply) I have several.
How many horses can you see? (reply) I can see several.

But I can't think how I'd use "bunches" as an adjective.

Best wishes, - A.

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