1.2. Multiple Subjects and Verbs

Multiple Subjects/Verbs Some sentences have more than one subject. Others have more than one verb. Many sentences have more than one subject and more than one verb. The subjects in the following sentences have been labeled with an “S” and the verbs with a “V.” S V V He swam and fished this summer. S S V The dog and kitten became good friends. S V S V She danced well, and the director applauded. S V S V When we study hard, we usually do well.

You can identify the pattern of a sentence by indicating how many subjects and verbs it has. In theory, a sentence can have any number of subjects and verbs, but these are the most common patterns: S-V one subject and one verb S-V-V one subject and two verbs S-S-V two subjects and one verb S-V/S-V two subjects and two verbs

Clauses Any group of words that contains at least one subject and one verb is called a clause. A single sentence may have one clause or more than one clause. S-V One clause. The boy ate his pizza slice. S-V-V One clause. Sonya danced and sang. S-S-V One clause. The judge and the attorneys conferred. S-V/S-V Two clauses. The dog barked, / and we laughed. S-V-V/S-V Two clauses. He hiked and fished / when the sun rose.

Quick Check: The practice sentences below have multiple subjects and verbs, but they also include the other types of words you. Before you try them, review that chapter quickly to remind yourself about adverbs and infinitives, which are never a part of the verb, and about adjectives and possessives, which are not part of the subject. Underline verbs twice and subjects once. My uncles and aunts contribute to our family. The long road seemed to run on for miles and miles. Duane, Jose, and Clarence always loved to play soccer. The gymnastic tournament finally ended, and the players went home. After the spring semester ended, we partied a lot.