Understanding the subject and predicate of a sentence is crucial for effective communication. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action described by the verb, while the predicate is the verb and any objects, modifiers, or other elements that receive the action of the verb. Mastering the subject and predicate can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills. Here are 10 simple exercises to help you achieve this mastery.
Exercise 1: Identifying Simple Subjects and Predicates
Directions: Read each sentence carefully and identify the simple subject and predicate.
- The dog runs quickly.
- Simple Subject: dog
- Predicate: runs quickly
- The teacher is writing on the board.
- Simple Subject: teacher
- Predicate: is writing on the board
- The flowers are blooming.
- Simple Subject: flowers
- Predicate: are blooming
Exercise 2: Distinguishing Between Complete and Incomplete Sentences
Directions: Determine whether each sentence is complete or incomplete.
- The sun sets over the mountains.
- Complete sentence
- The old, creaky door.
- Incomplete sentence
- The sound of the ocean waves.
- Incomplete sentence
Exercise 3: Identifying Compound Subjects and Predicates
Directions: Identify the compound subjects and predicates in each sentence.
- John and Mary are going to the store.
- Compound Subject: John and Mary
- Predicate: are going to the store
- The dog and the cat are playing in the yard.
- Compound Subject: dog and cat
- Predicate: are playing in the yard
- The students are studying for the exam and writing their essays.
- Compound Predicate: are studying for the exam and writing their essays
- Subject: students
Exercise 4: Creating Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
Directions: Create simple, compound, and complex sentences using the given words.
- Simple sentence using “dog” and “runs”: The dog runs quickly.
- Compound sentence using “dog” and “cat”: The dog runs quickly, and the cat chases it.
- Complex sentence using “dog” and “runs”: Because the dog runs quickly, it can catch the ball.
Exercise 5: Identifying Objects in Sentences
Directions: Identify the direct and indirect objects in each sentence.
- She gave the book to her friend.
- Direct Object: book
- Indirect Object: friend
- He threw the ball to the dog.
- Direct Object: ball
- Indirect Object: dog
- They sent a gift to their mother.
- Direct Object: gift
- Indirect Object: mother
Exercise 6: Identifying Modifiers in Sentences
Directions: Identify the modifiers in each sentence.
- The big, red car drove down the street.
- Modifiers: big, red
- The teacher, Mrs. Johnson, is teaching the class.
- Modifier: Mrs. Johnson
- The flowers, which were freshly cut, arranged in a vase.
- Modifier: which were freshly cut
Exercise 7: Identifying Complete and Incomplete Predicates
Directions: Determine whether each predicate is complete or incomplete.
- The baby laughed.
- Complete predicate
- The student is.
- Incomplete predicate
- The teacher is writing on the board.
- Complete predicate
Exercise 8: Identifying Active and Passive Voice
Directions: Identify whether each sentence is in active or passive voice.
- The dog bites the man.
- Active voice
- The ball was thrown by the player.
- Passive voice
- The play was written by Shakespeare.
- Passive voice
Exercise 9: Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement
Directions: Identify whether the subject and verb agree in each sentence.
- The cat chases the dog.
- Agree
- The team are playing well.
- Disagree (should be “is playing”)
- The flowers blooms in the garden.
- Disagree (should be “bloom”)
Exercise 10: Creating Sentences with Correct Subject-Verb Agreement
Directions: Create sentences with correct subject-verb agreement using the given words.
- Singular subject “book” and verb “is”: The book is on the shelf.
- Plural subject “books” and verb “are”: The books are on the shelf.
- Collective noun “team” and verb “is”: The team is playing well.
By completing these exercises, you will gain a deeper understanding of the subject and predicate and improve your writing and speaking skills.
When constructing sentences, ensure that you identify the subject and predicate correctly to convey your intended message. Additionally, pay attention to subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and objects to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.
Related Terms:
- Subject and predicate worksheet pdf
