Every complete sentence in English contains two essential parts a subject and a predicate. These components work together to form clear, meaningful thoughts. The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, while the predicate tells us something about the subject. Understanding subjects and predicates is foundational for building strong grammar skills and crafting effective communication. This topic explores what subjects and predicates are, provides clear examples, and helps readers learn how to identify and use them confidently.
What Is a Subject?
The subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about. It usually appears at the beginning of the sentence and performs the action or is described by the rest of the sentence.
Types of Subjects
- Simple SubjectThe main word or words that tell who or what the sentence is about.
- Complete SubjectThe simple subject and all the words that modify or describe it.
- Compound SubjectTwo or more subjects joined by a conjunction (like and” or “or”).
Examples of Subjects
- Simple SubjectDogsbark at strangers.
- Complete SubjectThe small brown dogbarked at the mailman.
- Compound SubjectMy brother and Iwent to the park.
Identifying the subject is easier when you ask yourself, “Who or what is this sentence about?”
What Is a Predicate?
The predicate is the part of the sentence that tells what the subject does or is. It includes the verb and any additional information about the action or state of being.
Types of Predicates
- Simple PredicateThe main verb or verb phrase in the sentence.
- Complete PredicateThe verb and all the words related to it.
- Compound PredicateTwo or more verbs that share the same subject.
Examples of Predicates
- Simple PredicateThe catsleeps.
- Complete PredicateThe catsleeps on the warm couch every afternoon.
- Compound PredicateThe catchased the mouse and hid under the table.
To identify the predicate, look for what the subject is doing or what is being said about the subject.
Putting Subject and Predicate Together
A sentence becomes complete only when both a subject and a predicate are present. These elements work together to express a full idea. Without one or the other, a sentence is incomplete.
Basic Sentence Structures
- The sunis shining.
- Shereads every morning.
- The teachergave us homework.
In each sentence above, the subject is the person or thing being discussed, and the predicate provides information or an action related to the subject.
More Examples of Subject and Predicate
Simple Sentences
- Birdsfly.
- The babycried loudly.
- Tomeats breakfast at 7 a.m.
Complex Subjects and Predicates
- The old man with a canewalks slowly across the street.
- My cousins and Iplay video games after school.
- The wind blowing through the treesmade a soft whispering sound.
These examples show how a sentence can be simple or more detailed while still following the basic structure of subject and predicate.
Identifying Subjects and Predicates in Sentences
To identify the subject and predicate in a sentence, follow these simple steps
- Find the verb or action word. This is the core of the predicate.
- Ask “Who?” or “What?” before the verb. This helps identify the subject.
- Everything that’s not part of the subject usually belongs to the predicate.
Example
SentenceThe young girl sings beautifully in the choir.
- SubjectThe young girl
- Predicatesings beautifully in the choir
Why Understanding Subjects and Predicates Matters
Knowing how subjects and predicates work helps with sentence construction, clarity, and overall writing quality. This understanding is especially useful when
- Correcting sentence fragments
- Varying sentence structure for better flow
- Improving grammar for essays and communication
- Preparing for language exams or standardized tests
Whether you’re writing a paragraph or editing someone else’s work, recognizing complete subjects and predicates ensures that your sentences are complete and grammatically correct.
Common Errors to Avoid
Writers often make a few predictable mistakes when working with subjects and predicates. Here are some of the most common ones
- Sentence FragmentsLeaving out either the subject or predicate makes the sentence incomplete.
IncorrectRunning through the forest.
CorrectHe was running through the forest. - Run-on SentencesCombining too many subjects or predicates without punctuation or conjunctions.
IncorrectHe walked she followed they got lost.
CorrectHe walked, she followed, and they got lost. - Subject-Verb Agreement ErrorsUsing a verb that doesn’t match the subject in number.
IncorrectThe dogs barks loudly.
CorrectThe dogs bark loudly.
Practicing with Subject and Predicate
To become more confident in recognizing and using subjects and predicates, practice regularly. Try writing your own sentences and identifying their components. You can also break down sentences from books, topics, or daily conversations.
Practice Sentences
Try identifying the subject and predicate in each of the following
- The boy with the blue backpack waited for the bus.
- After dinner, we watched a movie together.
- Lightning flashed across the dark sky.
Answers
- SubjectThe boy with the blue backpack |Predicatewaited for the bus
- Subjectwe |Predicatewatched a movie together
- SubjectLightning |Predicateflashed across the dark sky
A solid understanding of subjects and predicates is the foundation of good writing and clear communication. Every sentence depends on this structure to convey a complete thought. By learning to recognize both simple and complex forms, writers can improve sentence construction and avoid common grammar mistakes. Practice and awareness are the keys to mastering these essential grammar elements. Whether you’re new to English or looking to refine your writing skills, focusing on subjects and predicates is a smart and lasting investment in your language ability.