Subjects and Predicates

Complete Subject The noun or pronoun that performs the action Contains all the words that help to identify the main person, place, thing, or idea in a sentence

Examples Many teachers and two principals from our school attended the musical concert. Giraffes and monkeys in the local zoo captured the children’s interest yesterday. This novel’s last few chapters are full of great sensory language.

Simple Subject Main word within the complete subject Examples: This taco from the local store was quite tasty. Some people never cease to amaze me. These two swimmers graduated from the same school. Around the corner is the local theatre.

Compound Subject Two or more subjects in a sentence. Joined by a conjunction and share the same verb. Happy, Sleepy, and Doc knew Snow White. She and I will go to the dance tomorrow night.

Complete Predicate Main verb (action) along with all of its modifiers. Each of the seven contestants will be flying to Los Angeles next week. The talented mechanic fixed our car yesterday afternoon.

Simple Predicate The main word or phrase that tells something about the subject of the sentence. Izzy roamed the neighborhood last night. The students cheered loudly for the football team. Will he star in the school play?

Compound Predicate Two or more verbs that are joined by a conjunction and shared by the same subject. An experienced pilot studies and knows about air currents. All of these cars were made and sold in our country. After the announcement, the audience cheered and whistled.