Positioning the Subject and the Verb University of the Sacred Heart Department of Humanities Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines LAD
Nov 27, 2014
Positioning the Subject and the Verb
University of the Sacred HeartDepartment of Humanities
Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines
LAD
Objectives
• To describe different types of sentences
• To help the student place subjects and verbs in the correct position
The Anatomy of a Sentence• A sentence is a group of words
containing a subject and a predicate
• The subject tells who or what the sentence is about
• The predicate tells what the subject is or does
Kinds of Sentences
Depending on the type of sentence, the subject and the verb are placed in different positions. Take a look at the examples that follow.
Declarative Sentences
• A declarative sentence makes a statement. It tells about something
• The subject in declarative sentences is placed before the verb
Declarative Sentences
Bob
Jane
Jack
Subject
Verb
was
a student.
will go
to the theater.
has
a blue car.
Interrogative Sentences• An interrogative sentence asks a
question
• The subject in interrogative sentences is
placed after the verb, or between the helping verb and the main verb
Interrogative Sentences
Are
When
WillSubject
Verb
you a student?
Nancy
come
with us?
did she
leave?
Imperative Sentences
• An imperative sentence gives a command
• In imperative sentences the subject is omitted
• The omitted subject of the sentence is always “you”
Study now!
Imperative Sentences
Study
now!
Go faster!
come
inside.
Verb
Jack,
Exclamatory Sentences
• Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions
I can’t wait for the weekend!
• An exclamatory sentence can also be an imperative sentence
Watch out!
Exclamatory Sentences
How beautiful it is!
that is excellent!
It is wonderful!
Jane,
Subject
Verb
Adjective
Let’s PracticeChange the example to a declarative,
imperative, and exclamatory sentence.
Example:
Are you coming home tonight? (Question)Answers
:Declarative: You are coming home tonight.Imperative: Come home tonight.Exclamation: It’s great you are coming home tonight!
For More Information• Index English Grammar and Composition
http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index2.htm • Tons of Fun with Grammar
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/flin/103_handouts/sentences_and_phrases.htm • Grammar Book Table of Contents
http://www.grammarbook.com/exercises/grammar/cnt_gram.html
Center for Language Development Across the DisciplinesPrepared by: Thalia N. Nazario-SantiagoCoordinator for the Center for Languages and CultureApril-June 2003Revised by: Patricia KiddRevised by: Prof. Delia SerranoJanuary 2005