Subject and Predicate – Meaning, Definition, Types and Examples
Meaning & Definition
1.The part which names the person or thing we are speaking about is called the subject of the sentence.
2.The part which tells something about the subject is called the predicate of the sentence.
In a sentence, the subject usually comes first and then the predicate. such as
subject & Predicate with examples
A boy lived in a village
His parents sent him to school.
He liked his lessons.
He never stood second in the class.
He sings a song. In this sentence “He” is the subject and the other part is predicate.
She is a nurse. In this sentence “She” is the subject and the other part is predicate.
Honesty is the best policy. In this sentence “Honesty is the subject and the other part is predicate.
They are playing football. In this sentence “They” is the subject and the other part is predicate.
The baby is playing in the playground. In this sentence “The baby” is subject and other part is predicate. But except “in the playground e
because “in the playground” is an adverbial phrase.
Note:
All parts of each above sentence except the subject are called predicates.
But, in the end of the sentence “in the playground” in this part is not called predicate. Because an adverb or adverbial phrase, “Predicate” can’t be predicate.
Exception example:
Here is a phone book.
There is a suggestion guide.
Note that:
If a sentence starts with “Here/There” the subject is followed by “Here/There +verb”.
That is, in the sentence above, “a phone book and a suggestion guide” is the subject and the other part is a predicate.
The unknown fact of subject and predicate
1.Subject and predicate are considered as major parts of a sentence.
2.Native speaker or according to American/British Grammar concept Adverbs are not included in predicates.
3.The subject “You” does not appear in an imperative sentence, so the predicate begins with a verb.
Come in. ( subject “you” not appear in this sentence)
Sit down . ( subject “you” not appear in this sentence)
4.If there is please/kindly in the imperative sentence, it cannot be called a predicate. Because the two words are adverbs.
5.Predicate is the biggest topic of grammar, which includes verb, object, complement, etc..
6.Sometimes the subject does not appear in an “assertive sentence.
Thank you.( subject “I” not appear in this sentence)
Hope you are well. ( subject “I” not appear in this sentence)
7.Part of the predicate in an interrogative sentence is a verb or part of a verb that comes before the subject.
Such as:
Are you a student ?
Will you go to school?
Object
As a flower plant stands on top of a tub, so an English sentence is formed based on a particular structure.
This structure is “subject + verb + extension”.
However, many people think that a standard English sentence structure is: “subject + verb + object”. But, that is not correct. Because, at the end of a sentence, not only the object but also use adverbs, complements, etc.
What is an object ?
The word/phrase that answers the verb by what or whom is the object.
For example: They gave me a flower vase.
Above the sentence “me” and “a flower vase” is an object.
Note: Not all sentences always have two objects
The unknown fact:
The one that sits in the object position must be the noun/noun phrase/gerund/pronoun-object form.
Conclusion
The subject of a sentence refers to the part that names the person or thing being discussed, while the predicate pertains to the part that provides information about the subject. Understanding the roles of subject and predicate is crucial for mastering the structure of sentences.
FAQ:
What Is The Subject Of A Sentence?
The subject of a sentence is the part that names the person or thing we are talking about. It is the main focus of the sentence and typically performs the action in a sentence.
How Can You Identify The Subject In A Sentence?
To identify the subject in a sentence, ask yourself who or what the sentence is about. The subject is usually a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that appears at the beginning of a sentence.
What Is The Predicate Of A Sentence?
The predicate of a sentence is the part that tells something about the subject. It includes the verb and all the words that give more information about what the subject is doing or what is being said about the subject.
How Do You Distinguish Between The Subject And The Predicate In A Sentence?
The subject is the person or thing being talked about, while the predicate explains what the subject is doing or what is being said about the subject. The subject is usually at the beginning of the sentence, and the predicate follows the subject and includes the verb and other related words.
Can The Subject And The Predicate Be In Different Parts Of A Sentence?
Yes, the subject and the predicate can be in different parts of a sentence. The subject is often at the beginning of the sentence, but it can also be located in other positions depending on the sentence structure. The predicate usually follows the subject but can also be located elsewhere in more complex sentences.