7.1 Subject-predicate structure

Sentences are built on the foundation of subjects and predicates. Subjects are the doers or receivers of actions, while predicates provide information about those subjects. Understanding this structure is key to crafting clear, effective sentences.

The relationship between subjects and predicates goes beyond grammar. It shapes how we communicate ideas, emphasize information, and create coherent thoughts. Mastering this interplay allows for more nuanced and impactful writing.

Subject-Predicate Structure in Sentences

Subject and predicate identification

Top images from around the web for Subject and predicate identification

• 

  EnglishResources - Mrs. Williams' Class View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Predicate (grammar) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mrs. Yollis' Classroom Blog: Super Subjects With Plenty of Predicate! :-) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EnglishResources - Mrs. Williams' Class View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Predicate (grammar) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Subject and predicate identification

• 

  EnglishResources - Mrs. Williams' Class View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Predicate (grammar) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mrs. Yollis' Classroom Blog: Super Subjects With Plenty of Predicate! :-) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  EnglishResources - Mrs. Williams' Class View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Predicate (grammar) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Subject
  • Noun or pronoun performs action or receives description (John, she, the cat)
  • Usually appears at sentence beginning but can be inverted (Over the fence jumped the dog)
  • May be simple or compound (The energetic puppy and its tired owner)
• Predicate
  • Verb and additional information describe subject's action or state (ran quickly, is happy)
  • Follows subject in standard structure but can be inverted for emphasis (Into the room burst the excited children)
  • Can include direct objects, indirect objects, and complements (gave her friend a book)
• Identification methods
  • Find subject by asking "Who or what?" about the verb (Who ran? The dog ran)
  • Locate predicate by asking "What about it?" regarding the subject (What about the dog? The dog ran quickly)

Subject-predicate relationship in clauses

• Grammatical relationship
  • Subject determines verb agreement in person and number (He runs vs They run)
  • Predicate provides essential information about subject's actions or state (The old car broke down)
• Semantic relationship
  • Subject forms clause topic, often known information (The mysterious stranger)
  • Predicate comments on subject, usually new information (appeared suddenly at midnight)
• Structural relationship
  • Subject and predicate combine to form complete thought (The sun rises in the east)
  • Create basic clause structure, foundation for more complex sentences (Although tired, the hikers pressed on)

Role of subject and predicate

• Subject
  • Establishes sentence focus and provides context (In this experiment, the scientists)
  • Can shift emphasis through passive voice (The car was driven by John)
• Predicate
  • Carries main information about subject's actions or states (discovered a new species of butterfly)
  • Determines sentence type (declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory)
• Interaction
  • Creates sentence coherence and clear idea communication (The ancient artifact revealed surprising secrets)
  • Allows for emphasis variations through word order changes (Rarely had the town seen such excitement)

Complete vs incomplete clauses

• Complete clauses
  • Contain subject and predicate, express full thought (The cat slept peacefully)
  • Function as simple sentences or independent clauses in complex sentences
• Incomplete clauses
  • Lack subject or predicate, creating sentence fragments (Running through the park)
  • Often used stylistically in informal writing or dialogue (Nice day!)
• Dependent clauses
  • Have subject and predicate but don't express complete thought alone (While the sun was setting)
  • Require independent clause to form complete sentence (While the sun was setting, we enjoyed the view)
• Clause completeness identification
  • Check for subject and predicate presence (The dog barked loudly)
  • Ensure complete thought expression (Because it was raining - incomplete)
  • Determine standalone capability as meaningful sentence (Although he tried hard - cannot stand alone)