Complete Subjects and Predicates - Free English Language Lessons Online

Complete Subjects and Predicates - Sentence Parts in English

Definition:

• A complete subject is the simple subject of a sentence plus all the words that modify it.
• A complete predicate is the verb or verb phrase in a sentence plus any words that modify it or complete its meaning.

Examples:

• Complete subject: The large, fluffy cat slept on the couch. (The simple subject is "cat," and the modifying words are "large" and "fluffy.")
• Complete predicate: The cat slept soundly on the couch. (The verb is "slept," and the modifying words are "soundly on the couch.")

Practical uses Complete Subjects and Predicates :

• Complete subjects and predicates provide more information and context to a sentence, giving the reader a clearer understanding of what is being described.
• For example, in the sentence "The large, fluffy cat slept on the couch," the complete subject tells the reader more about the cat, specifically that it is large and fluffy.
• In the sentence "The cat slept soundly on the couch," the complete predicate gives the reader more information about how the cat slept, specifically that it slept soundly.

Special cases Complete Subjects and Predicates :

• There are a few special cases to consider when identifying complete subjects and predicates in a sentence:
• Split complete subjects and predicates: It is possible for the complete subject and predicate to be split by other words or phrases. For example, "The cat, who had been sleeping soundly on the couch, suddenly woke up." In this sentence, the complete subject is "The cat, who had been sleeping soundly on the couch," and the complete predicate is "suddenly woke up."
• Compound complete subjects and predicates: It is also possible for the complete subject or predicate to contain more than one noun or verb. For example, "The cat and the dog slept on the couch." In this sentence, the complete subject is "The cat and the dog," and the complete predicate is "slept on the couch."

Other relevant information:

• Complete subjects and predicates provide more detailed and specific information about the noun or verb in a sentence.
• A complete subject includes all the words that modify the simple subject, while a complete predicate includes all the words that modify or complete the verb.
• It is possible for the complete subject and predicate to be split by other words or phrases or to contain multiple nouns or verbs.

Comprehension exercises Complete Subjects and Predicates :

1. Identify the complete subject and complete predicate in the following sentence: "The large, fluffy cat slept on the couch." 

    

   Complete subject: The large, fluffy cat Complete predicate: slept on the couch

2. Identify the complete subject and complete predicate in the following sentence: "The cat and the dog slept on the couch." 

    

   Complete subject: The cat and the dog Complete predicate: slept on the couch

3. Identify the complete subject and complete predicate in the following sentence: "The cat, who had been sleeping soundly on the couch, suddenly woke up."

    

    Complete subject: The cat, who had been sleeping soundly on the couch Complete predicate: suddenly woke up

4. Identify the complete subject and complete predicate in the following sentence: "The boy and his sister are going to the store." 

    

   Complete subject: The boy and his sister Complete predicate: are going to the store

5. Complete the following sentence with the appropriate complete subject and complete predicate: "_____ sat on the windowsill and _____ watched the birds." 

    

   Complete subject: The cat Complete predicate: watched the birds