Simple Subjects and Predicates continued...
When you are asked to find the simple subject or simple predicate identify just the word(s) that are the subject or predicate. Not all the parts that make up the complete predicate or complete subject.
EXAMPLE: Most Canadians are hockey fans.
are is the predicate Canadians is the subject
Finding the subject and predicate in questions can be tricky.
Usually a subject comes before the predicate, but in questions the subject is usually placed between the two parts of the verb.
Example: Can you go? Here "you" is the subject.
Sentences that begin with "there" or "it":
When sentences begin with "it" or "there" plus a linking verb (usually in the form of "be"), the subject comes after the verb. When this happens, "there" or "it" is not counted as part of the subject or predicate. To identify the simple subject, rephrase the sentence without the words "there" or "it". The word that becomes the subject of the new sentence is the subject of the original sentence. (Language Power J)
Example: There is a Starbucks up ahead. -->becomes--> A Starbucks is up ahead. The subject is Starbucks.
It can be tricky balancing school and extracurricular activities. --> Balancing school and extracurricular activities can be tricky. Balancing is the subject.
Practice with Simple Subjects and Predicates:
Give these sentences a try: Remember you are identifying only the simple subject and simple predicate. Underline the simple subject once and the simple predicate twice in the following sentences.
1. What are you doing after school?
2. There are papers lying everywhere on her desk.
3. Across the parking lot passed a group of students.
4. It is easy to make an effective presentation with the right equipment.
Click here for Answers
Sources:
Language Power J. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.
EXAMPLE: Most Canadians are hockey fans.
are is the predicate Canadians is the subject
Finding the subject and predicate in questions can be tricky.
Usually a subject comes before the predicate, but in questions the subject is usually placed between the two parts of the verb.
Example: Can you go? Here "you" is the subject.
Sentences that begin with "there" or "it":
When sentences begin with "it" or "there" plus a linking verb (usually in the form of "be"), the subject comes after the verb. When this happens, "there" or "it" is not counted as part of the subject or predicate. To identify the simple subject, rephrase the sentence without the words "there" or "it". The word that becomes the subject of the new sentence is the subject of the original sentence. (Language Power J)
Example: There is a Starbucks up ahead. -->becomes--> A Starbucks is up ahead. The subject is Starbucks.
It can be tricky balancing school and extracurricular activities. --> Balancing school and extracurricular activities can be tricky. Balancing is the subject.
Practice with Simple Subjects and Predicates:
Give these sentences a try: Remember you are identifying only the simple subject and simple predicate. Underline the simple subject once and the simple predicate twice in the following sentences.
1. What are you doing after school?
2. There are papers lying everywhere on her desk.
3. Across the parking lot passed a group of students.
4. It is easy to make an effective presentation with the right equipment.
Click here for Answers
Sources:
Language Power J. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.