The Basics (copy the notes from slides 4-11) Parts of a Sentence The Basics (copy the notes from slides 4-11)

The Simple Sentence Do Not Copy! The sentence is the basic unit of communication. A simple sentence has one independent clause.

Independent Clauses Do Not Copy! An Independent Clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause = one simple sentence. An independent clause always has three important parts: A subject A verb Expresses a complete thought (can stand alone and make sense)

Subjects A subject names who or what the sentence is about A compound subject is a subject with two or more parts. (usually joined by “and”). Ex: The tortoise and the hare raced around the track. Although a compound subject has more than one part, it is still considered one subject.

Subjects and Predicates Simple Subject = the main word that tells who or what the sentence is about Ex: The wizened old man walked across the empty street. Complete Subject = all the words that tell who or what the sentence is about *sometime the simple subject is the complete subject

Verbs The verb is the most important part of a sentence. A verb is a word that expresses mental or physical action (like “think” or “run”) or it expresses a state-of-being (like “am” or “became”) Verbs can be classified as ACTION or LINKING verbs. A compound verb is a verb with more than one action (usually joined by “and”). Ex: The hare huffed and puffed after the race.

Linking Verbs LINKING verbs describe a state-of-being or existence (what something is or is like) Linking verbs connect the subject to information that describes the subject, but do not show action. linking verbs can be the main verb of a sentence Example: Sally is my best friend.

Common Linking Verbs List is be am being are been was were

Verb Phrases The verb can consist of two or more words. This is called a verb phrase Example: ”must have gone” Even though it has multiple words, a verb phrase acts as one verb (not a compound verb) Verb phrases are formed by putting one or more linking verbs and/or helping verbs in front of a main verb

Verb-Subject Identification Procedure Step 1: ALWAYS Look for the verb 1st. It is usually an action or a state-of-being word (be, am is, was, were, being, been ) Step 2: Find the subject 2nd. Ask yourself “Who or what (insert verb)?” to find the subject. Ex: Who “reported the theft”? Ex: Who “is an astronaut”? * Finding the verb can help you locate the subject, but not the other way around.

Direct Objects A direct object is a person or thing that receives the action performed by the subject. Direct objects always follow an action verb. To find direct objects =“ S + V + what?” To find the direct object, say the subject and verb followed by whom or what. If nothing answers the question, then there is no direct object. Ex: Tom studies grammar. (Tom studies what?) Susan shoveled snow. (Susan shovels what?) *There can be compound direct objects (usually joined by “and”). * The direct object must be a noun or pronoun.

Practice Identifying Subjects, Verbs and Direct Objects. Paul built a dollhouse for Hayley. The club members held a party in the park. The audience cheered the actors during the play. Terry dialed a wrong number. The students studied subjects and verbs. The hungry boy ate cake, pie, and cookies.

Complements A complement is a word that follows a linking verb and modifies or describes the subject. A complement tells you how or what something is or was, or what someone/something is like Ex: Tom is a professor. The teacher is experienced. Our trip was bumpy.

Indirect Objects An indirect object tells: “who” or “for whom” something is done or who is receiving the direct object The indirect object always comes in between the verb and the direct object. It is often used with verbs such as: send, give, tell, get, buy, show, do, make, save, and read Ex: Samuel sent his aunt a post card. what is the action? (verb) Who is performing the action? (subject) What is receiving the action? (direct object) For whom is the action performed? (indirect object) *There can be compound indirect objects

Practice Marvin made a card and a cake for his mother. Alexa gave June her Algebra notes. My mother bought me a necktie. John told his brother and sister a story. what is the action? (verb) Who is performing the action? (subject) What is receiving the action? (direct object) For whom is the action performed? (indirect object)

Practice Identifying Subjects, Verbs Indirect and Direct Objects. John read his tiny nephew an exciting story. Our father built the family a redwood picnic table. The doctor sent me a bill for his services. The new highway saved travelers time and miles. I bought Ivy and Jeff tickets for the game. She sent friends and family members gifts for the holiday.