The Sentence and Its Parts
Simple Subjects and Predicates
Every sentence has two parts: a subject and a
predicate.
 The subject tells whom or what the sentence is
about.
 The predicate tells what the subject is or does or
what happens to the subject.
The enthusiastic crowd cheered wildly for the
team.
Compound Subjects and Verbs
 A sentence can have more than one subject and verb.
 A compound subject is made up of two or more subjects
that share a verb.
Thursdays and Fridays are common days for quizzes.
 A compound verb is made up of two or more
verbs or verb phrases that have the same subject.
I washed and dried the dishes before bed.
 A compound predicate is made up of a
compound verb and all the words that go with
each verb.
Students have a lot of responsibility and must learn to
manage their time.
Subjects in Unusual Positions
Inverted sentences—The subject comes after
the verb or after the verb phrase.
Down came the rain.
Sentences beginning with here or there—The
subject of a sentence that begins in this way
often follows the verb.
Here is the book you ordered.
There goes the kid that owes me money.
Subjects in Unusual Positions
Questions—The subject usually comes after
the verb or inside the verb phrase.
Was the lottery winner from Plainfield?
Did the Colts win in the big game last night?
Imperative sentences—The subject is usually
you.
(You) Please finish your homework before band practice.
(You) Beware of the dog!
Subject Complements
A subject complement is a word that follows a
linking verb and identifies (predicate
nominative) or describes (predicate adjective)
the subject.
The recipe was complicated.
The athlete felt exhilarated.
An undefeated season was our goal.
The trip became a disaster.
Objects of Verbs
Action verbs often require complements
called direct objects and indirect objects to
complete their meaning.
The direct object is a word or group of words
that receive the action of the action verb. It
answers the question what or whom.
I caught Marsha’s cold.
Lloyd measured his height in centimeters.
Objects of Verbs
Indirect objects tell to what, to whom, for
what or for whom an action is done.
The indirect object is usually between the
verb and the direct object.
The volunteers give children free books.
The students offered Tom help with his locker.
Nancy told Stephanie the secret.
Ben brought Will his soccer ball.
Practice 1
Label the subjects and verbs.
• There is an amazing biodiversity within the Amazon
rainforest.
• Does the forest really cover about a third of South
America?
• In this lush environment live countless species.
• Learn about some of them by researching online.
• Below the canopy are slender trees resembling
poles.
• Think about the importance of the Amazon rain
forest.
Practice 1 --Answers
• There is an amazing biodiversity within the Amazon
rainforest.
• Does the forest really cover about a third of South
America?
• In this lush environment live countless species.
• (YOU) Learn about some of them by researching
online.
• Below the canopy are slender trees resembling poles.
• (YOU) Think about the importance of the Amazon rain
forest.
Practice
Label the subject, verb, pa, pn, do, and io.
• Caves fascinate many people.
• Scientists known as speleologists study these
formations.
• Amateur spelunkers explore caves as a hobby.
• The bizarre landscape gives explorers a thrill.
• Guides show visitors the spectacular limestone
pillars.
• Death Valley is one of California’s fascinating sites.
• To some, the valley looks desolate and lifeless.
• However, it has become a tourist magnet due to its
warm climate.
Practice –Answers
subject, verb, pa, pn, do, io
• Caves fascinate many people.
• Scientists known as speleologists study these
formations.
• Amateur spelunkers explore caves as a hobby.
• The bizarre landscape gives explorers a thrill.
• Guides show visitors the spectacular limestone pillars.
• Death Valley is one of California’s fascinating sites.
• To some, the valley looks desolate and lifeless.
• However, it has become a tourist magnet due to its
warm climate