Parts of a Sentence
Subjects and Predicates
• Sentences can be divided into two parts: the
subject and the predicate.
• Complete Subject – The subject of the sentence
and the words that modify it
• The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is life size.
• Simple Subject - Who or what performs the
action, who or what the sentence addresses
• The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is life size.
• Compound Subject – Two or more simple subjects
that share the same verb
• The pink flamingo cutout and the palm tree at Mark’s
desk are life size.
Subjects and Predicates
• Complete Predicate – the verb or
verb phrase of the sentence
• The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk
is life size.
• Simple Predicate – the main verb
telling what the subject did
• The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk
is life size.
• Compound Predicate – The pink
flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk
whirls and dances in the breeze.
Direct and Indirect
Objects
• A direct object receives the action of
the verb.
• I bought my kittens the salmon treats
they love.
• An indirect object tells to whom, to
what, for whom, or for what the
action of the verb is done.
• I bought my kittens the salmon treats
they love.
Clauses
• A clause is a group of words that
contains a subject and a verb.
• Independent Clause – A complete
sentence that has a subject, has a verb,
and expresses a complete thought
• When I go on vacation, I like to travel to
places I have never been.
• Dependent Clause – Cannot stand alone
as a sentence, must be joined to an
independent clause to create a complete
sentence
• When I go on vacation, I like to travel to
places I have never been.
Clauses Cont.
• Adverb Clause – A subordinate
clause that acts as an adverb
• When I smell food, I get hungry.
• Adjective Clause – A subordinate
clause that acts as an adjective
• The food that I smell is on the grill by
the pool.
• Noun Clause – A subordinate clause
that acts as a noun
• Learning study techniques is critical
for succeeding in school.
Phrases
• A phrase is a group of words without a subject or
verb.
• Prepositional Phrase – Consists of a preposition,
its object, and its modifiers
• My vacation to Hawaii’s beautiful beaches was
wonderful.
• Adjective Phrase – Functions as an adjective
• The class with many assignments was time
consuming.
• Adverb Phrase – Functions as an adverb
• The song was performed with great passion.
• Noun Phrase – Functions as a noun
• The soaring Pelican dove into the Gulf of
Mexico.
Phrases
• Participial Phrase – A participial and its
modifiers and complements
• Preparing the surprise, the friends turned out
the lights and hid.
• Gerund Phrase – A gerund and its
modifiers and complements
• Columbia Southern University is known for
providing excellent customer service.
• Infinitive Phrase – An infinitive and its
modifiers and complements
• I need to get ready before my ride arrives.
• Appositive Phrase – Identifies or
renames a noun or pronoun
• Students in SLS 1000, an introduction to
success strategies, are eager to learn.
Modifiers
• A modifier is a word or phrase that
modifies or adds meaning to another
word or phrase.
• Modifiers may include adjectives,
adverbs, clauses, and phrases.