Parts of a Sentence

Subjects and Predicates Sentences can be divided into two parts: the subject and the predicate. Complete Subject – The subject of the sentence and the words that modify it The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is life size. Simple Subject - Who or what performs the action, who or what the sentence addresses The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is life size. Compound Subject – Two or more simple subjects that share the same verb The pink flamingo cutout and the palm tree at Mark’s desk are life size.

Subjects and Predicates Complete Predicate – the verb or verb phrase of the sentence The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is life size. Simple Predicate – the main verb telling what the subject did The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is life size. Compound Predicate – The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk whirls and dances in the breeze.

Direct and Indirect Objects A direct object receives the action of the verb. I bought my kittens the salmon treats they love. An indirect object tells to whom, to what, for whom, or for what the action of the verb is done. I bought my kittens the salmon treats they love.

Clauses A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Independent Clause – A complete sentence that has a subject, has a verb, and expresses a complete thought When I go on vacation, I like to travel to places I have never been. Dependent Clause – Cannot stand alone as a sentence, must be joined to an independent clause to create a complete sentence When I go on vacation, I like to travel to places I have never been.

Clauses Cont. Adverb Clause – A subordinate clause that acts as an adverb When I smell food, I get hungry. Adjective Clause – A subordinate clause that acts as an adjective The food that I smell is on the grill by the pool. Noun Clause – A subordinate clause that acts as a noun Learning study techniques is critical for succeeding in school.

Phrases A phrase is a group of words without a subject or verb. Prepositional Phrase – Consists of a preposition, its object, and its modifiers My vacation to Hawaii’s beautiful beaches was wonderful. Adjective Phrase – Functions as an adjective The class with many assignments was time consuming. Adverb Phrase – Functions as an adverb The song was performed with great passion. Noun Phrase – Functions as a noun The soaring Pelican dove into the Gulf of Mexico.

Phrases Participial Phrase – A participial and its modifiers and complements Preparing the surprise, the friends turned out the lights and hid. Gerund Phrase – A gerund and its modifiers and complements Columbia Southern University is known for providing excellent customer service. Infinitive Phrase – An infinitive and its modifiers and complements I need to get ready before my ride arrives. Appositive Phrase – Identifies or renames a noun or pronoun Students in SLS 1000, an introduction to success strategies, are eager to learn.

Modifiers A modifier is a word or phrase that modifies or adds meaning to another word or phrase. Modifiers may include adjectives, adverbs, clauses, and phrases.