Lesson 93 - 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.

An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request.     

 

     Examples:
     Hand it in now. 

     Stop.

 

Imperative sentences always have an understood but not stated you as the subject. 

 

     Examples:
     Hand it in now. (You) hand it in now.
     Stop. (You) stop.

 

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

1. Give me the gun!

2. Help me please.

3. Bring me the paper.

4. Lock the car door always.

5. Run next door for some sugar.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Give me the gun! (understood you)

2. Help me please. (understood you)

3. Bring me the paper. (understood you)

4. Lock the car door always. (understood you)

5. Run next door for some sugar. (understood you)

 

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Lesson 392 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

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Use a colon to separate two complete sentences when the second sentence explains, amplifies, or illustrates the first. 

 

Example: 

Jim had a good idea: He wanted to consult with the builder.

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. There has been no change in our plans. We will leave at 1000 P.M.

2. He stated his plans. He would borrow money; he would secure a plane; he would fly around the world.

3. That morning the people saw the problem. During the night a tree had downed the power lines.

4. Now the men knew what to do. The pressure would be increased in the forward compartment.

5. They were worried about Fred. He would fall asleep at work and spend too much time alone.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. There has been no change in our plans: We will leave at 10:00 P.M. (two colons)

2. He stated his plans: He would borrow money; he would secure a plane; he would fly around the world.

3. That morning the people saw the problem: During the night a tree had downed the power lines.

4. Now the men knew what to do: The pressure would be increased in the forward compartment.

5. They were worried about Fred: He would fall asleep at work and spend too much time alone.

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Lesson 92 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

View lesson on Daily Grammar

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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Lesson 391 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Colons

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Use a colon before listed items that are introduced by such words as the following, as follows, thus, and these; by a number; or by any other expression that "points-out." 

 

Example: 

In high school he played the following sports: baseball, basketball, football, and tennis.

Use no colon before a list of predicate nominatives, direct objects, or objects of the preposition. A colon should not hinder the natural flow of the sentence. 

 

Example: 

We will need flour, milk, and sugar. (direct objects)

Instructions: Place colons where needed.

1. You need these guys Will, Boyd, Jeff, and Jim.

2. She had three personality flaws pride, selfishness, and a temper.

3. The singers will be you, Pam, and Becky.

4. For the camp-out we will need the following things a tent, three sleeping bags, and a gas lantern.

5. Next semester I will be taking four courses Algebra II, English Literature, American History, and Biology III.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. You need these guys: Will, Boyd, Jeff, and Jim.

2. She had three personality flaws: pride, selfishness, and a temper.

3. No colon needed. They are predicate nominatives.

4. For the camp-out we will need the following things: a tent, three sleeping bags, and a gas lantern.

5. Next semester I will be taking four courses: Algebra II, English Literature, American History, and Biology III.

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Lesson 91 - Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

View lesson on Daily Grammar

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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