Subject and Predicate in English Grammar: Definitions, Types & Examples

Understanding the subject and predicate is essential for constructing clear, grammatically correct sentences. These two elements form the backbone of English syntax, ensuring your writing is coherent and effective. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore their definitions, types, and examples, diving into key concepts like predicate nominative, adjectival predicate, and more.

What Are Subject and Predicate?

Every complete sentence contains a subject and a predicate.

• Subject: The person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about.

• Predicate: The part of the sentence that tells what the subject does or is.

Example:
"The cat (subject) sleeps on the windowsill (predicate)."

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Defining the Subject

The subject answers the question “who” or “what” the sentence is about. It can appear in different forms:

• Simple Subject: The main noun or pronoun.
  Example: "Dogs bark."

• Complete Subject: The simple subject plus all its modifiers.
  Example: "The energetic dogs bark."

• Compound Subject: More than one subject joined by a conjunction.
  Example: "Apples and oranges are fruits."

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Understanding the Predicate and Its Types

The predicate explains what the subject does or is. Here's a breakdown of its forms:

1. Simple Predicate

The main verb or verb phrase.
Example: "She runs every morning."

2. Compound Predicate

Multiple verbs or verb phrases sharing the same subject.
Example: "He cooked dinner and cleaned the kitchen."

3. Predicate Nominative

A noun or pronoun that renames the subject after a linking verb.
Example: "She is a doctor." (“Doctor” renames “she”)

4. Adjectival Predicate

An adjective describing the subject after a linking verb.
Example: "The sky looks blue." (“Blue” describes “sky”)

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Examples of Subject and Predicate in Sentences

Let’s solidify the concept with more examples:

• "Maria (subject) teaches mathematics (predicate)."

• "The cake (subject) smells delicious (adjectival predicate)."

• "Tom and Jerry (compound subject) argue daily (predicate)."

• "They became friends (predicate nominative)."

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Common Mistakes and Tips

1. Avoid Sentence Fragments

Ensure every sentence has both a subject and predicate.

❌ Incorrect: "Running in the park."
✅ Correct: "She is running in the park."

2. Misplacing Modifiers

Keep modifiers close to the subject and predicate for clarity.

❌ Unclear: "Quickly, the dog chased the ball."
✅ Clear: "The dog quickly chased the ball."

3. Don’t Confuse “Predicated” with “Predictive”

• Predicated (verb): Based on something.
  Example: "The theory is predicated on evidence."

• Predictive (adjective): Related to making predictions.
  Example: "Predictive analytics forecast trends."

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Why Grammar Subject and Predicate Matter

Mastering subject and predicate structure ensures your writing is logical, structured, and clear. Whether you're writing essays, reports, or casual messages, a firm grasp of this grammar foundation helps you express ideas effectively.

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Key Takeaways

• The subject is the focus; the predicate describes the action or state.

• Use predicate nominatives and adjectival predicates to enrich sentence meaning.

• Don’t confuse “predicated” (based on) with “predictive” (forecasting).

• Always ensure every sentence includes both elements for grammatical completeness.

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FAQs on Subject and Predicate

1. What’s the difference between a simple subject and a complete subject?

• Simple Subject: Core noun/pronoun.
  Example: "Birds sing."

• Complete Subject: Includes the simple subject + modifiers.
  Example: "The colorful birds in the tree sing."

2. How do I identify the predicate in a sentence?
Look for the verb and everything that follows it describing the subject.
Example: "She painted a masterpiece." (“Painted a masterpiece” is the predicate)

3. Can a sentence have multiple subjects or predicates?
Yes.

• Compound Subject: "Pizza and pasta are my favorites."

• Compound Predicate: "He ran a marathon and won a medal."

4. What is a predicate nominative?
A noun/pronoun that renames the subject after a linking verb.
Example: "She is the CEO." (“CEO” = predicate nominative)

5. What’s an adjectival predicate?
An adjective describing the subject after a linking verb.
Example: "The soup tastes spicy." (“Spicy” = adjectival predicate)

6. What happens if a sentence lacks a subject or predicate?
It becomes a sentence fragment.

• Fragment: "Running late."

• Complete: "She is running late."

7. Can the predicate come before the subject?
Yes—in inverted sentences.
Example: "Over the fence jumped the dog."

8. What’s the difference between predicted and predictive?

• Predicated: Based on something.

• Predictive: Related to forecasting or anticipating.

9. Are commands complete without a subject?
Yes. The subject "you" is implied.
Example: "(You) Close the door."

10. Can you give more predicate grammar examples?

• Simple Predicate: "They laughed."

• Compound Predicate: "She sings and dances."

• Predicate Nominative: "He became a teacher."

• Adjectival Predicate: "The flowers smell sweet."