The Sentence and Its Parts

Simple Subjects and Predicates Every sentence has two parts: a subject and a predicate. The subject tells whom or what the sentence is about. The predicate tells what the subject is or does or what happens to the subject. The enthusiastic crowd cheered wildly for the team.

Compound Subjects and Verbs A sentence can have more than one subject and verb. A compound subject is made up of two or more subjects that share a verb. Thursdays and Fridays are common days for quizzes. A compound verb is made up of two or more verbs or verb phrases that have the same subject. I washed and dried the dishes before bed. A compound predicate is made up of a compound verb and all the words that go with each verb. Students have a lot of responsibility and must learn to manage their time.

Subjects in Unusual Positions Inverted sentences—The subject comes after the verb or after the verb phrase. Down came the rain. Sentences beginning with here or there—The subject of a sentence that begins in this way often follows the verb. Here is the book you ordered. There goes the kid that owes me money.

Subjects in Unusual Positions Questions—The subject usually comes after the verb or inside the verb phrase. Was the lottery winner from Plainfield? Did the Colts win in the big game last night? Imperative sentences—The subject is usually you. (You) Please finish your homework before band practice. (You) Beware of the dog!

Subject Complements A subject complement is a word that follows a linking verb and identifies (predicate nominative) or describes (predicate adjective) the subject. The recipe was complicated. The athlete felt exhilarated. An undefeated season was our goal. The trip became a disaster.

Objects of Verbs Action verbs often require complements called direct objects and indirect objects to complete their meaning. The direct object is a word or group of words that receive the action of the action verb. It answers the question what or whom. I caught Marsha’s cold. Lloyd measured his height in centimeters.

Objects of Verbs Indirect objects tell to what, to whom, for what or for whom an action is done. The indirect object is usually between the verb and the direct object. The volunteers give children free books. The students offered Tom help with his locker. Nancy told Stephanie the secret. Ben brought Will his soccer ball.

Practice 1 Label the subjects and verbs. There is an amazing biodiversity within the Amazon rainforest. Does the forest really cover about a third of South America? In this lush environment live countless species. Learn about some of them by researching online. Below the canopy are slender trees resembling poles. Think about the importance of the Amazon rain forest.

Practice 1 --Answers There is an amazing biodiversity within the Amazon rainforest. Does the forest really cover about a third of South America? In this lush environment live countless species. (YOU) Learn about some of them by researching online. Below the canopy are slender trees resembling poles. (YOU) Think about the importance of the Amazon rain forest.

Practice Label the subject, verb, pa, pn, do, and io. Caves fascinate many people. Scientists known as speleologists study these formations. Amateur spelunkers explore caves as a hobby. The bizarre landscape gives explorers a thrill. Guides show visitors the spectacular limestone pillars. Death Valley is one of California’s fascinating sites. To some, the valley looks desolate and lifeless. However, it has become a tourist magnet due to its warm climate.

Practice –Answers subject, verb, pa, pn, do, io Caves fascinate many people. Scientists known as speleologists study these formations. Amateur spelunkers explore caves as a hobby. The bizarre landscape gives explorers a thrill. Guides show visitors the spectacular limestone pillars. Death Valley is one of California’s fascinating sites. To some, the valley looks desolate and lifeless. However, it has become a tourist magnet due to its warm climate