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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. Karen went to the mall.
2. Carl didn't help his dad.
3. Mom cooks breakfast every morning.
4. I want a new bike for Christmas.
5. Ann has had a new baby girl.
--For answers scroll
down.
Answers:
1. Karen went to the mall.
2. Carl didn't help his dad.
- verb phrase using a helping verb did
3. Mom cooks breakfast every morning.
4. I want a new bike for Christmas.
5. Ann has had a new baby girl.
- verb phrase using a helping verb has
Note: These verbs are all action verbs.
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