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Subject and Predicate - A Guide to Sentence Formation

English

Subject and Predicate - A Guide to Sentence Formation

Last updated date: 08th Dec 2023

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What is Subject?

A subject is one of the two primary components of a sentence in English grammar. The naming part of a sentence or clause is sometimes referred to as the subject. The subject normally comes early in the sentence to indicate the subject of the phrase, or who or what performs the action.

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What is Predicate?

The predicate is placed after the subject and is the other major component in a sentence. The part of a sentence that alters the subject of a phrase or clause in any way is called the predicate. The predicate describes what the subject is or does, as well as what happens to it. Since the subject of a sentence is a person, place, or thing, the predicate must include a verb that explains what the subject does. A modifier, an object, or a complement might also be included.

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Types of Subject

Simple Subject

Compound Subject

Subject with Noun Phrases

A single word, such as a noun or a pronoun, might serve as the topic of the subject in the sentence.

There are two or more nouns or pronouns in this type of subject.

Here, it's Adish and Mahi which can also be written as Adish and his sister.

A noun phrase is a collection of words that work together to form a noun. They contain more information than a single - or even compound - subject could.

Here, instead of a photographer, handsome further describes the subject.

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Types of Predicate

Simple Predicate	Compound Predicate	Complete Predicate
The simple predicate just includes the verb and does not include any modifiers.	A compound predicate would use a conjunction to combine two verbs. However, the verbs should be performed by the same subject, or the subject should "share" the subject.	The complete predicate is the component of the phrase that includes the verb as well as all of its modifiers, whereas the simple predicate is only the verb. Modifiers have an effect on the verb and explain how it affects the object and/or subject.
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Subject and Predicate Examples

The following table contains 20 sentences with subject and predicate that will help the students understand and identify the subject and predicate differences better. Read and understand the predicate and subject examples.

Subject	Predicate
Abhilash is sleeping.	Peppa sang her favourite song at the talent show.
Malti is fond of computers and graphic designing.	The next train will arrive shortly.
The smart reporter was framed for a murder trial.	Dogs run.
Lohit and his sister loved to bake.	Flowers bloom fully in spring.
The woman next to Meghan spilt the juice.	I always wanted to be on the fencing team.
All children are requested to cross the road carefully.	You can do it.
The audience must be seated on alternate chairs.	He and his friend always do their homework together.
The chief guest and other dignitaries will be on time for the main event.	You are lovely.
You were great.	My mother is a great cook.
I love seafood.	The trip was spectacular.

Subject and Predicate Worksheet

A. Identify the subject and predicate.

1. The apple is red.

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Ans. Subject- The apple

Predicate- is red.

2. The rain sounded like a lullaby.

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Ans: Subject- The rain

Predicate- sounded like a lullaby.

3. Mr Batra lost his hat.

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Ans: Subject- Mr Batra

Predicate- lost his hat.

4. The ball rolled down the hill.

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Ans: Subject- The ball

Predicate- rolled down the hill.

Learn By Doing It Yourself: Subject and Predicate Exercise

A. Circle the subject and underline the predicate.

1. Dogs are furry.

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2. My mother baked a cake for the party.

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3. Cats purr.

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4. I will not go to the swimming practice today.

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5. Sita and Geeta are twins.

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6. Sonu and his neighbour got into an argument.

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FAQs on Subject and Predicate - A Guide to Sentence Formation

1. What is the definition of a subject in a sentence?

The person, place, or object performing the action of the sentence is the subject of the sentence. The topic is the person or thing that the sentence is about. A noun or pronoun is normally included in the basic subject, but it can also include modifying words, phrases, or clauses. Anything that indicates the doer can be considered as a subject in a sentence.

2. How to spot a predicate in a sentence?

Predicates can be a single verb or verb phrase can be a simple predicate, while two or more verbs connected by conjunction can be considered compound predicate, or all the words in the sentence that provide further information about the subject can be called complex predicate or rather complete predicate. The trick is to look for what the subject is doing to find the predicate.

3. Can ‘ran’ be considered a predicate in a sentence?

The verb ran would suffice as a basic predicate. In this case, we are seeking a complete predicate. All the words that modify and further characterise the verb make up a complete predicate. So, the complete predicate would go something like this; “ran quickly towards the school to meet his friends”.