Lesson 91

Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

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.

Note: These verbs are all action verbsAction verbs are verbs that show action. Action verbs are the most common verbs.
Source: Lesson 1.