Subjects and Predicates

An Exploration of Sentences

Complete SubjectThe complete subject is all the words in the subject part of the sentence. The subject part names someone or something. It is what the sentence is about.Find the complete subject in each of these sentences. Underline the complete subject once.1. Toads and frogs are amphibians. . 2. Frogs have smooth, wet skin. 3. Toads have dry, warty skin. 4. Missouri has 26 species of frogs and toads.

Complete PredicateThe complete predicate is all the words in the predicate part of the sentence. The predicate part tells what the subject is or does.Find the complete predicate in each of these sentences. Underline the complete predicate twice.1. Toads and frogs defend themselves in several ways.

2. Toads defend themselves by producing toxic or unpleasant tasting skin secretions when they are seized.

3. The toads and frogs native to Missouri are a valuable part of our outdoor heritage. 4. The age-old myth that toads can cause warts on people is false.

Simple SubjectThe simple subject is the main word in the complete subject. In your writing choose your subjects carefully to make your meaning clear. Descriptive words are not part of the simple subject. When a proper name is used as a subject, all parts of the name make up the simple subject.Write the simple subject in each of these sentences. Remember descriptive words are not part of the simple subject.1. Missouri’s largest frog is the bullfrog.

2. The bullfrog is Missouri’s state amphibian.

3. This large frog lives in a variety of permanent, aquatic habitats.

4. Bullfrogs eat insects, crayfish, frogs, small fish, and other small animals .

Simple Predicate or VerbThe simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or words in the complete predicate. The simple predicate is always a verb! A verb expresses action or being. Sometimes a verb is made up of more than one word. A verb is a word used to express an action, a condition, or a state of being. A linking verb tells what the subject is. An action verb tells what the subject does, even when the action cannot be seen.Find and write the simple predicate in each of these sentences. 1. Northern crawfish frogs live in native prairies an grasslands near small creeks or marshes.

2. Northern crawfish frogs range from 3 to 4 inches in head-body length.

3. This prairie species eats a variety of insects, spiders and small crayfish.

4. This is Missouri’s second largest species of frog.

Write each sentence. Underline the complete subject once. Underline the complete predicate twice.

1. The writer Washington Irving lived from 1783 to 1859.

2. “Rip Van Winkle” is one of his best-known stories.

3. This humorous tale is set in the Catskills.

4. James Fenimore Cooper wrote “The Leatherstocking Tales” during the first half of the nineteenth century.

Write the complete subject and circle the simple subject.

1. The best natural weather predictors are clouds.

2. The most common rainmakers are nimbostratus clouds.

3. These thick gray clouds blot out the sun completely.

4. The low-lying layers are often a sign of heavy rain.

Write the complete predicate and circle the verb.

1. Arthur told no one about his plans for the day.

2. No one knew his whereabouts.

3. The young man ignored danger signals during the day.

4. He should have set a more realistic goal.