Compound Subjects and Predicates

A sentence has a compound subject when it has more than one subject. It has a compound predicate when there is more than one predicate. Sometimes sentences can have both a compound subject and a compound predicate.

Example of a compound subject Example of a compound predicate Rachel and Steffi read the same book. Example of a compound predicate Ulysses ran, swam, and rode a bicycle in the triathlon. 

Example of both a compound subject and a compound predicate My dog and ferrets play and sleep together.

Compound subjects and predicates are joined with either the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor) or the correlative conjunctions (both/and, either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also).

Hint: Don't confuse a verb phrase with a compound predicate. We will be going to China this summer. (verb phrase - it has only one main verb - going)

PRACTICE Identify each sentence as having a compound subject a compound predicate both neither

During the storm, the electricity and the phones were cut off but soon restored.

Soldiers and sailors defend our freedom.

Astronauts train for years and then travel to space just a few times.

Almonds and grapes make healthy snacks and taste good.

Police officers and firefighters lead dangerous lives.

Tape or glue will be needed for this project.

We will be going to school in a minute.