Spot the Core: Finding the True Subject Quiz

  • 5th Grade
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| By Thames
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Thames
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Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,566,648
| Questions: 20 | Updated: Jan 6, 2026
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1. What is a prepositional phrase in a sentence like The boys in the class are excited?

Explanation

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition (like in, on, of) and adds extra information but is not the main subject or verb.

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About This Quiz
Spot The Core: Finding The True Subject Quiz - Quiz

Clear agreement starts with identifying the correct subject. In this finding true subject quiz, you’ll practice locating the core subject in sentences that include modifiers, phrases, or additional details. You’ll strip sentences down to their essentials, distinguish between subjects and descriptive elements, and confirm which noun controls the verb. Each... see morequestion strengthens your ability to focus on sentence structure rather than being distracted by nearby words.
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2. In the sentence The boys in the class are excited, what is the true subject?

Explanation

Boys is the noun that the verb are describes, so boys is the true subject.

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3. In the sentence The color of the flowers is bright, what is the true subject?

Explanation

Color is the main noun linked to the verb is, so it is the true subject.

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4. In the sentence The pages in the book are torn, what is the true subject?

Explanation

Pages is the noun doing the action are torn, so pages is the subject.

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5. You should ignore prepositional phrases when deciding what the true subject is.

Explanation

Prepositional phrases give extra information, so you skip them and look for the main noun that the verb matches.

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6. In The boys in the class are excited, class is the true subject.

Explanation

Boys is the noun that matches the verb are, so class is only part of the prepositional phrase in the class.

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7. Write the true subject: The herd of cows is running.

Explanation

Herd is the main noun linked to the verb is, so herd is the true subject.

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8. Write the true subject: The pile of leaves was huge.

Explanation

Pile is the noun that the verb was describes, so pile is the true subject.

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9. In the sentence The group of dancers on the stage is ready, what is the true subject?

Explanation

Group is the noun tied to the verb is, while of dancers on the stage is a prepositional phrase.

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10. Which word is NOT likely to be the true subject in a sentence with a prepositional phrase?

Explanation

Of is a preposition, not a noun, so it cannot be the true subject.

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11. Which sentences use a verb that correctly matches the true subject (ignoring the prepositional phrase)?

Explanation

A, C, and E match the verb to basket, students, and box, which are the true subjects.

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12. Which sentences have the verb matched incorrectly to a word in the prepositional phrase instead of the true subject?

Explanation

A and C use are or is with the wrong number for the true subjects pile and cars.

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13. Write the true subject: The keys on the hook are missing.

Explanation

Keys is the noun that the verb are refers to, so keys is the true subject.

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14. Write the true subject: A basket of oranges was on the counter.

Explanation

Basket is the main noun connected to the verb was, so basket is the true subject.

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15. In the sentence The sound of the drums from the stadium was loud, what is the true subject?

Explanation

Sound is the noun that the verb was describes, so sound is the subject; the other words form prepositional phrases.

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16. In the sentence The pictures on the wall of the hallway are new, what is the true subject?

Explanation

Pictures is the noun matched with the verb are, so pictures is the true subject.

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17. In The boxes under the bed are full, bed is the true subject.

Explanation

Boxes is the plural noun that the verb are agrees with; under the bed is a prepositional phrase.

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18. In A box of crayons is on the floor, box is the true subject.

Explanation

Box is the main noun linked to the verb is, so it is the true subject; of crayons is a prepositional phrase.

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19. Write the true subject: The stars in the sky are bright.

Explanation

Stars is the plural noun that the verb are describes, so stars is the true subject.

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20. What is the best first step to find the true subject in a sentence with a prepositional phrase?

Explanation

If you remove the prepositional phrase, it is easier to see which noun is the true subject that matches the verb.

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What is a prepositional phrase in a sentence like The boys in the...
In the sentence The boys in the class are excited, what is the true...
In the sentence The color of the flowers is bright, what is the true...
In the sentence The pages in the book are torn, what is the true...
You should ignore prepositional phrases when deciding what the true...
In The boys in the class are excited, class is the true subject.
Write the true subject: The herd of cows is running.
Write the true subject: The pile of leaves was huge.
In the sentence The group of dancers on the stage is ready, what is...
Which word is NOT likely to be the true subject in a sentence with a...
Which sentences use a verb that correctly matches the true subject...
Which sentences have the verb matched incorrectly to a word in the...
Write the true subject: The keys on the hook are missing.
Write the true subject: A basket of oranges was on the counter.
In the sentence The sound of the drums from the stadium was loud, what...
In the sentence The pictures on the wall of the hallway are new, what...
In The boxes under the bed are full, bed is the true subject.
In A box of crayons is on the floor, box is the true subject.
Write the true subject: The stars in the sky are bright.
What is the best first step to find the true subject in a sentence...
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