Master Subject and Predicate with Clear Examples

What Are Subject and Predicate?

Understanding subject and predicate is crucial for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences. These two parts are the foundation of every complete sentence in English. Let’s break them down:

Subject

The subject is the part of the sentence that tells us who or what the sentence is about. It can be a noun, pronoun, or a group of words acting as a noun.

Example:

• Tom runs every morning. (Subject: Tom)
• The big dog barked loudly. (Subject: The big dog)

Predicate

The predicate tells us what action the subject is performing or provides information about the subject. It must contain a verb.

Example:

• Tom runs every morning. (Predicate: runs every morning)
• The big dog barked loudly. (Predicate: barked loudly)

Types of Subjects and Predicates

Subjects and predicates can be simple or compound. Let’s explore these in detail:

Simple Subject and Predicate

A simple subject consists of one noun or pronoun, while a simple predicate contains just one verb or verb phrase.

Examples:

• The cat slept.
• He runs.

Compound Subject

A compound subject includes two or more subjects joined by a conjunction.

Examples:

• Tom and Jerry play in the park.
• My brother and I went hiking.

Compound Predicate

A compound predicate has two or more verbs or verb phrases joined by a conjunction.

Examples:

• The dog barked and ran.
• She sang and danced.

Examples of Subject and Predicate in Context

Here are some practical examples to understand how subject and predicate work together:

Sentence	Subject	Predicate
The children played in the garden.	The children	played in the garden
My dad cooks delicious meals.	My dad	cooks delicious meals
The sun rises in the east.	The sun	rises in the east

Exam Tip: Spotting Subjects and Predicates

In exams like GCSE English Language, you might be asked to analyse sentence structure. To identify the subject and predicate:

• Find the verb first. The verb is the core of the predicate.
• Ask ‘who’ or ‘what’ is performing the verb action—this is your subject.

Pro Tip: Compound subjects and predicates often appear in descriptive writing, so practise identifying them in complex sentences.

Practice Exercise: Identify Subject and Predicate

Try these sentences and identify the subject and predicate:

1. Sarah and Ben love pizza.
2. The birds chirped and flew away.
3. Our teacher gave us homework.

Answers:

• Subject: Sarah and Ben; Predicate: love pizza
• Subject: The birds; Predicate: chirped and flew away
• Subject: Our teacher; Predicate: gave us homework

Why Mastering Subject and Predicate Matters

Knowing how to distinguish between subject and predicate will help you:

• Write clearer and grammatically correct sentences.
• Analyse sentence structures effectively in GCSE or A-Level exams.
• Improve your overall communication skills.

If you need personalised help, check out our AI tutors at [LINK:/genies] or explore detailed lessons at [LINK:/lessons].

“Strong sentence structure is the key to impactful writing.”