Lesson
2.5
Subjects in Unusual
Positions
Name: _________________________
Hour: _________
In an inverted sentence, the subject comes after the verb or part of the verb phrase.
Into the room walked Tony.
VERB
SUBJECT
Sometimes the words here or there come before the subject or verb.
Here are the books from the list.
VERB
SUBJECT
In a question, the subject usually comes after the verb or inside the verb phrase.
Is your phone working properly?
VERB
SUBJECT VERB
In an imperative sentence, the subject is usually you. Often, you is not stated; it is understood.
Read the label on your medicine bottle carefully.
VERB
(UNDER STOOD SUBJECT = YOU)
A. Finding Subjects and Verbs in Unusual Positions
In the following sentences, underline the simple subject once and the verb or verb phrase twice
(don’t forget the auxiliary verbs!). If the subject is understood, write (You) on the line.
1. _________ Write home as soon as possible.
2. _________ There is an exhibit of Ray’s photographs at the bank.
3. _________ Does Francine play tennis on the school team?
4. _________ Always check your answers on a test.
5. _________ Here are the tickets to the concert.
6. _________ How much money did the group raise for charity?
7. _________ On the front door hung a large wreath.
8. _________ There will be a meeting of the French Club on Thursday.
9. _________ In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are many Amish families.
10. _________ Here is the key to the mailbox.
11. _________ Into the rain forest went the photographers.
12. _________ Save me a place in line.
13. _________ There was too much noise backstage.
14. _________ Has Quintero heard this new CD?
15. _________ What did Anna tell you?
16. _________ To your left is the mansion of the governor.
B. Writing Sentences
In the following sentences, underline the simple subject once and the verb twice. Then rewrite
each sentence so that the subject comes before the verb.
Example:
There are just a few important rules in this game.
A few rules are important in this game.
1. There is a new drummer playing with this band.
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2. Along the path grow colorful wildflowers.
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3. Were you speaking to me?
________________________________________________________________________
4. Here are the latest research findings.
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5. In the house across the street lives a family with eight children.
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C. Writing Sentences
Rewrite these sentences following the directions in parentheses. In your new sentence, underline
the simple subject once and the verb twice. If the subject is an understood you write you in
parentheses after your sentence.
Example:
The tables are there. (Begin with There.)
There are the tables.
1. You must write your name at the top of the page. (Change this to an imperative sentence.)
________________________________________________________________________
2. Bill rode his bike to school. (Change the sentence to a question.)
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3. A package for you is on the front steps. (Begin with There.)
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4. Under the snow were found the remains of a mountain cabin. (Begin with the words The
remains. Use a traditional word order.)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. You must pay for your tickets at the booth. (Change this to an imperative sentence.)
________________________________________________________________________