Lesson 92 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

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A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb (predicate - some grammar books use the word predicate, but I will use verb).  A verb shows action or state of being.  The subject tells who or what about the verb.  When finding the subject and the verb in a sentence, always find the verb first and then say who or what followed by the verb.

     Example:
     The bell rang.
     Find the verb - rang
     Who or what rang?
     The bell rang, so bell is the subject.
     The bell rang.

     Example:
     The boy is here.
     Find the verb - is
     Who or what is?
     The boy is, so boy is the subject.
     The boy is here.

There are four (4) kinds of sentences: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory.

1. A declarative sentence makes a statement.

     Example:
     The assignment is due tomorrow.

2. An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request.

     Examples:
     Hand it in now. (understood you)
     Stop. (understood you)

3. An interrogative sentence asks a question.

     Example:
     Do you know the man?

4. An exclamatory sentence shows strong feeling. Declarative, imperative, or interrogative sentences can be made into exclamatory sentences by punctuating them with an exclamation point.

     Examples:
     The assignment is due tomorrow!
     Stop!
     Do you know the man!

Instructions: Find the subject and verb in the following sentences.

1. The programs are on the piano.

2. The kittens were under the straw stack.

3. He will be here soon.

4. The weather seems cooler.

5. The money must be on the table.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The programs are on the piano.

2. The kittens were under the straw stack.

3. He will be here soon.

     - verb phrase using a helping verb will

4. The weather seems cooler.

5. The money must be on the table.

     - verb phrase using a helping verb must

 

Note: These verbs are all linking verbs.

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