Subjects & Predicates

A CONCRETE IMAGE OF HOW SENTENCES WORK

 Every complete sentence contains two parts: a
subject and a predicate.

The subject is what (or whom) the sentence is

about, while the predicate tells something about
the subject.
Judy and her dog run on the beach every
morning.
Judy and her dog run on the beach every
morning.

First find the verb and then make

a question by placing ``who?'' or
``what?'' before it.

The answer is the

subject, Judy and
her dog.
Lets try one:
We spilled popcorn on the floor.
What is the verb of this sentence?

We spilled popcorn on the floor.

Now find the subject:

We spilled popcorn on the floor.

Now decide who or what spilled
popcorn?

We spilled popcorn on the floor.

Can you find the subject in each sentence below?

My little brother broke his finger.

1.

His Uncle Bob asked for directions.

2.

Those soldiers carried guns.

3.

Our babysitter arrived late.

4.
 Can you find the subject in each sentence
below?

1. My little brother broke his finger.

2. His Uncle Bob asked for directions.
3. Those soldiers carried guns.
4. Our babysitter arrived late.
 Can you find the predicate in each
sentence below?

My little brother broke his finger.

1.

His Uncle Bob asked for directions.

2.

Those soldiers carried guns.

3.

Our babysitter arrived late.

4.
Can you find the predicate in each
sentence below?

My little brother broke his finger.

1.

Those soldiers carried guns.

2.

Our babysitter arrived late.

3.
Simple Subject and Simple Predicate

Every subject is built around one noun or

pronoun (or more). When all other
words are removed the simple subject is
left.
Simple Subject
A piece of chocolate candy
would taste great.
The main word in the subject is the noun
``piece,'' with the other words of the subject -
- ``a'' and ``of pepperoni pizza'' tell about the
noun. ``piece'' is the simple subject.
 Can you find the simple subject in each
sentence below?

My little brother broke his finger.

1.

His Uncle Bob asked for directions.

2.

Those soldiers carried guns.

3.

Our babysitter arrived late.

4.
 Can you find the simple subject in each
sentence below?

My little brother broke his finger.

1.

His Uncle Bob asked for directions.

2.

Those soldiers carried guns.

3.

Our babysitter arrived late.

4.
Simple Predicate
A simple predicate is always the
verb or verbs that links up with the
subject.
Simple Predicate
A piece of chocolate candy
would taste great.
The simple predicate is ``would
taste'' -- in other words,
the verb of the sentence.
 Can you find the simple predicate in each
sentence below?

My little brother broke his finger.

1.

His Uncle Bob asked for directions.

2.

Those soldiers carried guns.

3.

Our babysitter arrived late.

4.
 Can you find the simple predicate in each
sentence below?

My little brother broke his finger.

1.

His Uncle Bob asked for directions.

2.

Those soldiers carried guns.

3.

Our babysitter arrived late.

4.
Compound Subject
A sentence may have a ACDC

compound subject -- a simple

subject made up of more than
one noun or pronoun.
No Doubt
Can you find the compound subjects?

Team pennants,
rock posters and
family
photographs
covered the boy's
bedroom walls.
Can you find the compound subjects?

Team pennants,
rock posters and
family
photographs
covered the boy's
bedroom walls.
Can you find the compound subjects?

My uncle and I walked slowly

through the art gallery and
admired the beautiful pictures
exhibited there.
Can you find the compound subjects?

My uncle and I walked slowly

through the art gallery and
admired the beautiful pictures
exhibited there.
 Can you find the compound subject in each
sentence below?

My little brother and my cousin broke their fingers.

1.

His Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty asked for directions.

2.

Those soldiers and agents carried guns.

3.

Our babysitter and her friend arrived late.

4.
 Can you find the compound subject in each
sentence below?

My little brother and my cousin broke their fingers.

1.

His Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty asked for directions.

2.

Those soldiers and agents carried guns.

3.

Our babysitter and her friend arrived late.

4.
Compound Predicate
A compound predicate, is more
than one verb relating to the same
subject.
Can you find the compound predicate?

Mother mopped and scrubbed

the kitchen floor.
Can you find the compound predicate?

Mother mopped and

scrubbed the kitchen floor.
Can you find the compound predicate in each sentence
below?

My little brother bruised and broke his

1.

finger.
His Uncle Bob looked and asked for
2.

directions.
Those soldiers carried and used guns.
3.

Our babysitter overslept and arrived late.

4.
Can you find the compound predicate in each sentence
below?

My little brother bruised and broke his

1.

finger.
His Uncle Bob looked and asked for
2.

directions.
Those soldiers carried and used guns.
3.

Our babysitter overslept and arrived

4.

late.
Now that you know all about subjects and predicates, try
to identify the subject and predicate of the following
sentences.
Identify the subject and predicate

In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight

Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

Subject (active/
passive)
The lion Lion Sleeps Verb 1 + s Simple Active
Present
Identify the subject and predicate

When I was just a little girl

Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice
Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
I I was Be (V2) Simple Past Neutral
Identify the subject and predicate

I asked my mother
Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice
Subject (active/
passive)
I I asked Verb 2 Simple Past Active
Identify the subject and predicate

I Will be pretty
Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice
Subject (active/
passive)
I I Will be Will + V1 Future Active
Identify the subject and predicate

Here's what she said to me.

Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice
Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
Here Here is Be (V1) Simple neutral
Present
Identify the subject and predicate

Que sera sera... Whatever will be, will be

Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
Whatever Whatever Will be Will + V1 Future active
Identify the subject and predicate

The future's not ours to see.

Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
The future Future is Be (V1) Simple neutral
Present
Compound and Complex Sentence
When the music began

Everyone started to dance.

When the music began,

everyone started to dance.
Here are some more dependent clauses:

As soon as it stopped raining

Because I registered early
When we need a quiet place to study
 We can place these baskets on the front of a bike.

As soon as it stopped raining, we saw a double rainbow.

Because I registered early, I got the classes I wanted.

When we need a quiet place to study, we go to the library.

We can also place them on the back of a bike.

We saw a double rainbow as soon as it stopped raining.

I got the classes I wanted because I registered early.
We go to the library when we need a quiet place to study.
More Dependent Clauses

Another kind of dependent clause begins with the

relative pronouns who, which, and that.

who works part-time

which includes a swimming pool
that is parked in my driveway

These clauses are not sentences. They are like

baskets that need to be attached to a bike.
These baskets go after the word they describe. Sometimes
theyre in the middle of the bike.

Frank, who works part-time,will be our guide.

The new fitness center, which includes a swimming pool,
will open in February.
The car that is parked in my driveway is Henrys.
Sometimes they are on the back of the bike.

We are making pasta for the Richardsons, who do not

eat meat.

I have tickets to the jazz festival, which begins at noon.

Karen likes books that have a happy ending.

 Sentence Support

Regardless of what kind of basket we add, we need a basic

sentence to support it.

Example: The new fitness center, which includes a

swimming pool, will open in April.

Basic sentence: The new fitness center will

open in April.
Basket: which includes a swimming pool
Identify the subject and predicate

In 1945, nuclear weapons were exploded for the first time over cities.

Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

Object (active/
passive/
neutral)
Nuclear Weapons Were Be (V2) + Simple Past Passive
weapons exploded V3
Identify the subject and predicate

On August 6th at 8.15 a.m. Japanese time, a USA bomber dropped the
first atom bomb over Hiroshima

Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
a USA Bomber Dropped V2 Simple Past Active
bomber
Identify the subject and predicate

Late in the morning of August 9th, a second atomic bomb was dropped on the
people of Nagasaki.
Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice
Object (active/
passive/
neutral)
a second Bomb Was Be (V2) + Simple Past Passive
atomic dropped V3
bomb
Identify the subject and predicate

In Hiroshima, almost everything was destroyed within a mile from the

explosion
Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice
Object (active/
passive/
neutral)
almost Everything Were Be (V2) + Simple Past Passive
everything exploded V3
Identify the subject and predicate

Altitude sickness is the commonest problem in Tibet.

Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
Altitude Sickness Is Be (V1) Simple Neutral
Sickness Present
Identify the subject and predicate

If you have high blood pressure or heart problems.

Conjunc- Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
If You You Have V1 Simple Active
Present
Identify the subject and predicate

You must avoid ascending above 4000 meters

Conjunc- Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
- You You Must Modal Simple Active
Present
Identify the subject and predicate

It is suggested that you do not take baths or engage in

vigorous physical activity on your first day in Tibet.

Conjunc- Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
It it Is suggested Be (V1) + Simple Passive
V3 Present

that You You Do not Do + not + Simple Active

take baths V1 Present
or engage
Identify the subject and predicate

You should drink at least four litres at high altitudes and you
must always make sure you have plenty of water with you
when you go on long overland journeys.

Conjunc- Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
You You Should Modal + V1 Simple Active
drink Present
And You You Must always Modal + V1 Simple Active
make Present

When You You Go V1 Simple Active

present
Identify the subject and predicate

Vaccinations are not officially required for Tibet, but

immunization against cholera, hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus,
polio, and yellow fever is advised.

Conjunc- Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Object (active/
passive/
neutral)
Vaccina- Vaccina- Are Be (V1) + Simple Passive
tions tions required V3 Present

But immunization immunization Is advised Be (V1) + Simple Passive

against cholera,
hepatitis, typhoid, V3 Present
tetanus, polio, and
yellow fever
Identify the subject and predicate

If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness (headache,

nausea, dizziness) you should get to a lower altitude as
soon as possible.

Conjunc- Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
If You You Feel V1 Simple Active
Present
You You Should get Modal + V1 Simple active
Present
Identify the subject and predicate

You must not smoke if you are experiencing the

symptoms of altitude sickness.
Conjunc- Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice
tion Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
You You Must not Modal + V1 Simple Present Active
smoke
If You You Are Be + Ving Present Active
experiencing Continuous
Identify the subject and predicate

A vaccination for rabies is strongly recommended for

travellers involved in activities that may bring them into direct
contact with animals such as dogs and bats.

Conjunc- Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Object (active/
passive/
neutral)
Vaccina- Vaccina- Is strongly Be + V3 Simple Present Passive
tion for tions recommended
rabies
Identify the subject and predicate

You must not smoke if you are experiencing the

symptoms of altitude sickness.

Conjunc- Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
You You Must not Modal + V1 Simple Present Active
smoke
If You You Are Be + Ving Present Active
experiencing Continuous
Identify the subject and predicate

Altitude sickness may occur in travellers who ascend to

altitudes higher than 2500 meters.

Conjunc- Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Subject (active/
passive/
neutral)
Altitude Sickness May occur Modal + Simple Present Active
sickness V1
Identify the subject and predicate

Acetazolamide may be taken as a precautionary measure

at a dosage of 125 or 250 mg twice daily.

Conjunc- Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Object (active/
passive/
neutral)
Acetazol Acetazola May be taken Modal + Simple Present Passive
amide mide Be + V3
Identify the subject and predicate

Acetazolamide should under no circumstances be given

to pregnant women or those with a history of sulpha
allergy.

Conjunc- Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Object (active/
passive/
neutral)
Acetazol Acetazola Should be Modal + Simple Present Passive
amide mide given Be + V3
Identify the subject and predicate

Travel to high altitudes is not generally recommended

for those with a history of heart disease, lung disease, or
sickle cell disease.

Conjunc- Object Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice

tion Object (active/
passive/
neutral)
Travel to Travel Is not generally Be+ Not Simple Present Passive
high recommended + V3
altitudes
Summary

Subject Predicate Object Explanatio

n
Forms Examples
Noun/s or Group of Nouns To be He is the manager Noun/s To, for,
*note: if you find noun phrase V1 (present tense) The manager decides to In, on, at,
which contains of, the head To be + Ving The manager is deciding Below,
(inti) of the noun phrase is the V2 (past tense) The managers decided to behind,
last noun before of. To be + V3 (passive) The rule is decided by. beside,
Example: Has/have/had + V3 (perfect The manager has decided... Everyday,
the managers of this company tense) Verb-ing,
decide the rules. Has/have/had + been + V3 The rules have been Verb3
The head of the noun phrase (as (passive) decided etc.
the subject of this sentence is Modal + V1 The manager must decide
managers so that the Modal + be + V3 (passive) The rules must be decided..
predicate form is decide (V1
without s).
 Assignment

Find a short article.

Pick 10 sentences from the article.

Analyze the Subject and Predicate of each sentence.

Attach the original article.

No Sentence Conjunc- Subject Simple Predicate Form Tense Voice Object Simple
tion Subject (active/ Object
passive/
neutral)