Subject and Predicate
Learn about the two main parts of a sentence and how they work together
What Are Subject and Predicate?
Every complete sentence has two main parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, while the predicate tells us what the subject does or what happens to it. Understanding these two parts is essential for building clear and complete sentences.
The Subject
Definition
What is the Subject?
The person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about
Function
Answers the question "Who?" or "What?"
Position
Usually comes at the beginning of the sentence
Examples
The cat, John, My sister, The book
Types of Subjects
Simple Subject
The main noun or pronoun
Complete Subject
Simple subject plus all its modifiers
Compound Subject
Two or more subjects joined by and/or
Implied Subject
You (in commands)
The Predicate
Definition
What is the Predicate?
The part that tells what the subject does or what happens to it
Function
Contains the verb and all words that complete the thought
Position
Usually comes after the subject
Examples
runs fast, is happy, ate dinner
Types of Predicates
Simple Predicate
Just the verb or verb phrase
Complete Predicate
Verb plus all words that complete the thought
Compound Predicate
Two or more verbs for the same subject
Predicate Nominative
Noun that renames the subject
Subject and Predicate Examples
The cat (subject) sleeps peacefully (predicate).
My sister (subject) loves reading books (predicate).
John and Mary (compound subject) went to the store (predicate).
The beautiful flower (complete subject) bloomed in the garden (complete predicate).
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Subject and Predicate
Identify the subject and predicate in each sentence:
The dog runs in the park.
Show Answer
Subject: The dog | Predicate: runs in the park
My sister loves chocolate ice cream.
Show Answer
Subject: My sister | Predicate: loves chocolate ice cream
The children played games and laughed loudly.
Show Answer
Subject: The children | Predicate: played games and laughed loudly
Interactive Quiz 2: Simple vs Complete
Identify simple and complete subjects/predicates:
The big red car drove down the street.
Show Answer
Simple Subject: car | Complete Subject: The big red car | Simple Predicate: drove | Complete Predicate: drove down the street
My intelligent sister studies mathematics.
Show Answer
Simple Subject: sister | Complete Subject: My intelligent sister | Simple Predicate: studies | Complete Predicate: studies mathematics
Interactive Quiz 3: Compound Subjects and Predicates
Identify compound subjects and predicates:
John and Mary went to the store.
Show Answer
Compound Subject: John and Mary | Simple Predicate: went
The cat slept and purred contentedly.
Show Answer
Simple Subject: cat | Compound Predicate: slept and purred
Tom and Jerry ran and played in the garden.
Show Answer
Compound Subject: Tom and Jerry | Compound Predicate: ran and played
Interactive Quiz 4: Create Sentences
Create sentences with these subject and predicate combinations:
Use: compound subject + simple predicate
Show Example
Example: John and Mary went to the party.
Use: simple subject + compound predicate
Show Example
Example: The dog ran and played in the park.
Use: complete subject + complete predicate
Show Example
Example: The beautiful red flower bloomed in the garden.
Important Grammar Rules
Every Complete Sentence
Must have both a subject and a predicate to be complete.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The subject and verb must agree in number (singular/plural).
Compound Elements
Compound subjects and predicates are joined by and, or, or nor.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Every complete sentence needs both a subject and a predicate!