The Sentence Base

The Sentence Base

2. Subjects & Predicates

Subject

• Names the person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about.

Predicate

• Tells something about the subject.

• To express a complete thought, a sentence must have both a subject and a predicate.

Subject Predicate

Edouard Manet Is often identified as the first modern painter.

Goa, a state in southern India,

Was a Portuguese possession until 1962.

The space shuttle Endeavour

Was named for Captain James Cook’s first ship.

His concept of justice

Is based on his study of human nature.

Complete & Simple Subjects

Complete subject: the group of words that names the person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about.

(To find the subject, ask yourself Whom? or What? the sentence is about)

Example

Many historically significant paintings are displayed in the downtown gallery.

Example

Many historically significant paintings are displayed in the downtown gallery.

Example

Noted art historian and sculptor Althea Winston has become the gallery’s new owner.

Example

Noted art historian and sculptor Althea Winston has become the gallery’s new owner.

Simple Subject: the main word within the complete subject.

**The simple subject is NEVER part of the prepositional phrase**

Complete & Simple Predicates

Complete Predicate: a group of words that tells something about the subject

**Every sentence needs a predicate**

To find the predicate

• Ask yourself:

• What is the subject doing?

• What is being said about the subject?

Example

Mozart composed several operas, as well as chamber music and a number of symphonies

Example

Mozart composed several operas, as well as chamber music and a number of symphonies

Example

His music is almost universally admired.

Example

His music is almost universally admired.

Simple Predicate

Simple Predicate: the main word or phrase, or the verb.

Example

Beethoven conducted the first performance of his Ninth Symphony.

Example

Beethoven conducted the first performance of his Ninth Symphony.

Example

He was completely deaf at the same time of the performances.

Example

He was completely deaf at the same time of the performances.

Compound Subjects & Verbs

• Compound Subject: two or more subjects in one sentence that have the same verb and are joined by a conjunction.

Example

Jupiter or Mars is often visible at night in this hemisphere.

Example

Jupiter or Mars is often visible at night in this hemisphere.

Example

Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter, and Uranus have more than five moons each.

Example

Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter, and Uranus have more than five moons each.

Compound Verb

• Compound Verb: two or more verbs in one sentence that have the same subject and are joined by a conjunction.

Example

Satellites circle the earth and send information to receivers around the globe.

Example

Satellites circle the earth and send information to receivers around the globe.

Example

Meteorologists collect data from satellites, analyze radar reports, and then predict the weather.

Example

Meteorologists collect data from satellites, analyze radar reports, and then predict the weather.

Compound Subject & Verb Example

Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, and other phenomena can cause damage and take lives.

Compound Subject & Verb Example

Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, and other phenomena can cause damage and take lives.