Identify the simple subject or predicate of a sentence

Key Notes:

Simple Subject:

  1. Definition: The simple subject is the main noun or pronoun in a sentence that tells whom or what the sentence is about. It is the core of the subject, excluding any modifiers or additional words.
  2. Examples:
    • Sentence: “The dog ran quickly.”
      • Simple Subject: “dog”
    • Sentence: “She sings beautifully.”
      • Simple Subject: “She”
  3. How to Identify:
    • Find the main noun or pronoun in the sentence.
    • Remove any adjectives or other descriptive words.
    • What remains is the simple subject.

Simple Predicate:

  1. Definition: The simple predicate is the main verb or verb phrase in the sentence that tells what the subject is doing. It is the core of the predicate, excluding any additional words or modifiers.
  2. Examples:
    • Sentence: “The dog ran quickly.”
      • Simple Predicate: “ran”
    • Sentence: “She sings beautifully.”
      • Simple Predicate: “sings”
  3. How to Identify:
    • Find the main verb in the sentence.
    • Remove any adverbs or other descriptive words.
    • What remains is the simple predicate.

Steps to Identify Simple Subject and Simple Predicate

  1. Find the Simple Subject:
    • Ask, “Who or what is the sentence about?”
    • Look for the main noun or pronoun that answers this question.
  2. Find the Simple Predicate:
    • Ask, “What is the subject doing or what is being said about the subject?”
    • Look for the main verb or verb phrase that answers this question.

Let’s practice!