Understanding the basic components of a sentence is fundamental to mastering any language, especially English. Every complete sentence consists of two main parts the subject and the predicate. These elements work together to form meaningful statements, questions, or commands. Knowing how to identify and use subjects and predicates correctly is essential for clear communication, writing, and grammar. This topic will explore what subjects and predicates are, provide examples, and explain their roles in sentence construction, making it easier for readers to recognize and apply them in their own writing.
What is a Subject?
The subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about. It usually performs the action or is described by the predicate. In simple terms, the subject tells us who or what the sentence is focused on.
Subjects can be
- A noun or pronounJohn,she,the dog,happiness
- A noun phraseThe tall man,A group of students
- A gerund or infinitive acting as a nounSwimmingis fun.
Examples of subjects in sentences
- Maryloves to read books.
- The catis sleeping on the sofa.
- Theywill arrive soon.
- Runningimproves your health.
What is a Predicate?
The predicate of a sentence tells us what the subject does or what happens to the subject. It contains the verb and often additional information such as objects, complements, or modifiers. The predicate explains the action, state, or condition of the subject.
Examples of predicates include
- runs fast
- is eating dinner
- will go to the market
- feels very happy today
Examples of predicates in sentences
- Maryloves to read books.
- The catis sleeping on the sofa.
- Theywill arrive soon.
- Runningimproves your health.
Examples of Complete Sentences with Subject and Predicate
To fully understand the roles of subject and predicate, here are some clear examples of sentences broken down into these parts
- SubjectThe dog
Predicatebarks loudly every morning. - SubjectMy best friend
Predicateis coming to visit tomorrow. - SubjectThe children
Predicateplayed happily in the park. - SubjectLearning new skills
Predicatetakes time and patience.
Simple and Compound Subjects
Sometimes a sentence has more than one subject. This is called a compound subject. It consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as and” or “or.”
Examples
- Tom and Jerryare famous cartoon characters.
- Either the teacher or the studentswill present the project.
Simple and Compound Predicates
Similarly, a predicate can be compound, containing two or more verbs or verb phrases connected by conjunctions that relate to the same subject.
Examples
- Sheruns every morning and swims in the evening.
- The dogbarks and chases the mailman.
How to Identify Subjects and Predicates
Identifying the subject and predicate in a sentence is a useful skill, especially for learning grammar or improving writing. Here are steps to identify them
- Ask yourself “Who or what is this sentence about?” The answer is the subject.
- Ask “What is the subject doing?” or “What is being said about the subject?” The answer is the predicate.
Example
- Sentence The teacher explains the lesson clearly.
- Subject The teacher (Who is the sentence about?)
- Predicate explains the lesson clearly (What is the teacher doing?)
Importance of Subject and Predicate in Communication
The subject and predicate together make a sentence complete. Without a subject, we don’t know who or what is involved, and without a predicate, we don’t know what is happening or being said. Both parts are necessary to communicate a clear and complete thought.
In written and spoken English, understanding these parts helps with
- Forming clear sentences
- Improving writing style
- Enhancing reading comprehension
- Mastering English grammar
Common Mistakes with Subject and Predicate
Some common errors include
- Sentence fragmentsMissing either a subject or predicate.
- Run-on sentencesJoining two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
- Subject-verb disagreementWhen the verb does not match the subject in number.
Example of a fragment “Running very fast.” (No subject)
Example of subject-verb disagreement “They is coming.” (Should be “They are coming.”)
Practice Sentences
Try identifying the subject and predicate in the following sentences
- The sun rises in the east.
- My parents enjoy gardening on weekends.
- Walking through the forest calms the mind.
- Birds and squirrels play in the backyard.
Understanding the examples of subject and predicate is key to mastering sentence structure in English. The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, while the predicate tells us what the subject does or what happens to it. Recognizing these components improves clarity in both writing and speaking. By practicing identification and usage of subjects and predicates, learners can build strong foundations for effective communication and grammatical accuracy.