Identifying the essential components of a sentence is crucial for understanding language structure and meaning. Among the key elements of a sentence are the complete subject and complete predicate, which work together to convey the sentence’s main message. The complete subject, formed by the noun phrase, represents the entity or person performing the action or experiencing the state of being, while the complete predicate, composed of the verb phrase and any modifiers, expresses the action or event that occurs. The combination of the complete subject and complete predicate results in a complete sentence that conveys a unified and comprehensive thought.
The Key to a Complete Subject and Predicate
A complete subject and predicate are the foundation of a well-written sentence. They provide the reader with the who, what, when, where, and why of the sentence.
Anatomy of a Complete Subject
A complete subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb. It can be simple or compound.
- Simple subject: One word that names the doer of the action.
- Example: The cat sat on the mat.
- Compound subject: Two or more words that together name the doer of the action.
- Example: The cat and the dog played in the yard.
Identifying the Complete Subject
To identify the complete subject, ask yourself “Who or what is doing the action?” If the answer is more than one word, it’s a compound subject.
Anatomy of a Complete Predicate
A complete predicate is the verb and all its modifiers that describe the action. It can also be simple or compound.
- Simple predicate: One verb that describes the action.
- Example: The cat slept on the couch.
- Compound predicate: Two or more verbs that together describe the action.
- Example: The cat ran and jumped on the table.
Identifying the Complete Predicate
To identify the complete predicate, ask yourself “What is the verb in the sentence?” If the answer is more than one word, it’s a compound predicate.
Examples
| Sentence | Complete Subject | Complete Predicate |
|---|---|---|
| The dog barked at the mailman. | The dog | Barked at the mailman |
| The children played in the sandbox. | The children | Played in the sandbox |
| The teacher and students discussed the assignment. | The teacher and students | Discussed the assignment |
| The cat ran and hid under the bed. | The cat | Ran and hid under the bed |
Table of Examples
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| Sentence | Complete Subject | Complete Predicate |
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| The students studied hard for the test. | The students | Studied hard for the test |
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| The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests. | The chef | Prepared a delicious meal for the guests |
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| The dog and cat played happily in the backyard. | The dog and cat | Played happily in the backyard |
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| The teacher and students worked together to solve the problem. | The teacher and students | Worked together to solve the problem |
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Question 1: What is a complete subject and predicate?
Answer: A complete subject is a noun phrase that identifies who or what is performing the action or being described in the sentence. The complete predicate is a verb phrase that describes the action performed or the state of being of the subject. Together, the complete subject and complete predicate form an independent clause that can stand alone as a complete thought.
Question 2: How can I identify a complete subject?
Answer: A complete subject answers the question “who” or “what” is performing the action or being described. It typically consists of a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun. The complete subject can be simple, such as “the dog,” or compound, such as “the large, brown dog.”
Question 3: What is the role of a complement in a complete predicate?
Answer: A complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of the verb in the predicate. Complements can take various forms, such as a direct object, an indirect object, or a subject complement. The direct object receives the action of the verb, the indirect object benefits from the action, and the subject complement renames or describes the subject.
Well, folks, that’s all there is to it! Understanding complete subjects and predicates is a crucial foundation for any writer. Remember, the subject tells us who or what is doing the action, while the predicate tells us what the subject is doing. So, the next time you’re writing, take a moment to identify the complete subject and predicate in your sentences. It’ll make your writing clearer and more precise. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again soon for more awesome writing tips and tricks!