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The Subject
Simple Subjects
2b. Sentences consist of two basic parts: subjects and predicates.
2c. The main word or word group that tells whom or what the sentence is about is called the simple
subject.

EXAMPLES The lamp on the desk needs a new light bulb. [What needs a new light
bulb? The lamp does. Lamp is the subject of the sentence.]
When will Aunt Jesse pick us up? [Who will pick us up? Aunt Jesse will.
Aunt Jesse is the subject of the sentence.]
TIP The simple subject is never in a prepositional phrase, which consists of a preposition and
the noun or pronoun that follows it. Some common prepositions are about, among, at, for,
from, in, of, under, and with. To find the simple subject, cross out any prepositional phrases.
EXAMPLE The lamp on the desk needs a new light bulb. [Lamp is the subject, not desk.]

EXERCISE A Underline the simple subject in each of the following sentences.

Example 1. These ancient tools were recently discovered east of town. [What were discovered?

Tools were. Tools is the subject of the sentence.]

1. Earthworms have segmented bodies. [What have segmented bodies?]

2. When is Dena moving to Baltimore?
3. The pillows on the couch were handmade.
4. Every morning, my mother works in the garden.
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

5. Those lanterns on the patio are very unusual.

Complete Subjects
The complete subject is made up of all the words that tell whom or what the sentence is about.
EXAMPLES The lamp on the desk needs a new light bulb. [What needs a new light
bulb? The lamp does. Lamp is the simple subject. The and on the desk
describe the lamp. The lamp on the desk is the complete subject.]
Near the fishing pier were several pelicans. [What were near the fishing
pier? Pelicans were. Pelicans is the simple subject. Several describes
pelicans. Several pelicans is the complete subject.]
NOTE Sometimes the simple subject is also the complete subject.
EXAMPLE Saxophones are often used in jazz music. [Saxophones is the simple and the
complete subject.]

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EXERCISE B Underline the complete subject in each of the following sentences. Then, underline the
simple subject a second time. Hint: In some sentences, the simple subject and the complete subject will
be the same.

Example 1. The message light on the phone is blinking. [The sentence is about the complete

subject The message light on the phone. The simple subject is light.]

6. Will Peter audition for the leading role in Death of a Salesman? [Who is the sentence about?]
7. The recipe for Aunt Rosa’s rosemary chicken has been passed down for generations.
8. How long will the clearance sale last?
9. High in the blue sky above us flew a lone eagle.
10. A backpack with red stripes was left in the locker room.

Compound Subjects
2f. A compound subject consists of two or more subjects that are joined by a conjunction and that
have the same verb.

EXAMPLES The sandals, sunscreen, and beach towels are in the canvas bag. [The parts
of the compound subject sandals, sunscreen, and towels are joined by the
conjunction and. They have the same verb, are.]
Has the veterinarian or her assistant spoken with you yet? [The parts of
the compound subject veterinarian and assistant are joined by the
conjunction or. They have the same verb, Has spoken.]

EXERCISE C Underline the parts of the compound subject in each of the following sentences. Then,
circle the conjunction.

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

Example 1. Alex, Nina, and I will cover that part of the project. [Who will cover that part of the

project? Alex, Nina, and I will. The parts of the compound subject Alex, Nina, and I are

joined by the conjunction and.]

11. Are you or Diego riding in the van with Mark? [Who is the sentence about? Which word
connects the parts of the compound subject?]

12. The art supplies and canvases are in the storage cabinet.
13. Has Mrs. Edwards or her husband arrived yet?
14. Butterflies and bees are attracted to these flowers.
15. A monitor, speakers, and a printer came with the computer.

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The Predicate
Simple Predicates
2b. Sentences consist of two basic parts: subjects and predicates.
2d. The simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or word group that tells something about the
subject.

A verb expresses action or a state of being.

SIMPLE PREDICATES Corn grows well in our state. [Grows is the simple predicate and tells what
corn does.]
The recycling bin is under the sink. [Is is the simple predicate and tells
about the recycling bin.]
REMINDER A simple predicate can be a one-word verb or a verb phrase.
EXAMPLES The student council meets every Wednesday. [Meets is the simple predicate
and tells what the student council does.]
Has your group completed the chemistry experiment? [Has completed is the
simple predicate and asks what your group did.]

EXERCISE A Underline the simple predicate in each of the following sentences. Be sure to underline all
parts of a verb phrase.

Example 1. The canyon walls appeared almost blue in the morning light. [The simple predicate

appeared tells about the canyon wall.]

1. Our new puppy played with its toy for hours. [What did the puppy do?]
2. The passengers were enjoying the train ride through the countryside.
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

3. During the weekend, we canoed on Lake Austin.

4. Have you read the review of the play in the school newspaper?
5. The police officer was directing traffic.

Complete Predicates
The complete predicate consists of the verb and all the words that modify the verb and complete
its meaning.
COMPLETE PREDICATE Corn grows well in our state. [The simple predicate is grows. The complete
predicate is grows well in our state.]
NOTE Sometimes the simple predicate is also the complete predicate.
EXAMPLE My baby sister is sleeping. [Is sleeping is the simple predicate and the
complete predicate.]

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The predicate usually comes after the subject. Sometimes, however, part or all of the predicate
comes before the subject.
EXAMPLES Last week, the grocery store celebrated its twentieth anniversary.
Not far from our house is the community pool.

EXERCISE B Underline the complete predicate in the following sentences. Then, draw a second line
under the simple predicate. Hint:The simple predicate may be a one-word verb or a verb phrase.

Example 1. Everyone should take notes during the presentation. [Should take notes during the

presentation is the complete predicate. The simple predicate is should take.]

6. My older brother will graduate from college in two weeks. [What will my older brother do?]
7. The banana nut bread tasted wonderful.
8. Is the debate tournament this weekend?
9. After the award ceremony, a reception will be held in the cafeteria.
10. On the top shelf in the pantry is the bag of cat food.

2g. A compound verb consists of two or more verbs that are joined by a conjunction and that have
the same subject.

EXAMPLES I finished the book, made a few notes, and wrote my report. [The
compound verb is finished, made, and wrote. The parts of the compound
verb are joined by the conjunction and.]
Would you clear the table and load the dishwasher? [The compound verb
is Would clear and load. The parts of the compound verb are joined by the
conjunction and.]

Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.

EXERCISE C Underline the simple predicate, or verb, in each of the following sentences. Be sure to
underline each part of a compound verb and all parts of a verb phrase.

Example 1. Did you take the ferry or walk across the bridge? [The simple predicate is the

compound verb Did take and walk.]

11. The architect reviewed the design for the new building and made a few corrections. [What did
the architect do?]

12. Each contestant will be photographed and will receive a certificate of participation.
13. Will the children’s parade start on Main Street and end on Fairview Avenue?
14. The jury discussed the case for five hours and decided in favor of the defendant.
15. Should I multiply or divide by three?

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