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manhhiep2509
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past participle could be subject

by manhhiep2509 Wed Nov 13, 2013 5:55 am

In answer choice D question 19 in OG 13, I see the structure following:

"Verb-ed phrase" are something

Although the answer choice is incorrect, the explanation only say another reason that makes it incorrect. My question is whether "verb-ed phrase" could be subject?

For example:

included in his pocket is his watch and cell phone.
Is the sentence correct?

Thank you.
RonPurewal
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Re: past participle could be subject

by RonPurewal Fri Nov 15, 2013 11:04 am

Modifiers can't be subjects. In the kinds of sentences you're describing, the subject follows the verb.
There are two cars in the driveway.
(subject = "two cars"; verb = "are")
There is one car in the driveway.
(subject = "one car"; verb = "is")
Included among the survey questions are a few items dealing with your experience at our store.
(subject = "a few items"; verb = "are")

Although SC doesn't test questions, it's also useful to know that the vast majority of English questions are structured the same way.
Where is Ron?
Why is choice A wrong? (not "Why choice A is wrong?")
and so on.