Subject and Predicate: Definition, Meaning, Types, and Examples

Subject and Predicate

The foundation of sentence structure lies in two critical components: the subject and the predicate. Understanding these elements is crucial for constructing coherent and meaningful sentences. This article examines their definitions, types, and examples to clarify how they operate within English grammar.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Subject?

2. Subject Examples in Sentences

3. What Is a Predicate?

4. Predicate Examples in Sentences

5. Test Your Knowledge of Subjects and Predicates

6. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Subject?

The subject of a sentence refers to the person, thing, or entity performing the action or being described. It can be a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase. In some cases, gerunds (verbs acting as nouns) or gerund phrases also function as the subject.

Definitions:

• • Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: “A noun, noun phrase, or pronoun representing the person or thing that performs the action of the verb or about which something is stated.”
  • Subjects can also be affected by the action of the verb in passive sentences.

Key Features of Subjects:

• • A sentence may contain multiple subjects.
  • Imperative sentences often omit explicit subjects but imply “you.”

Subject Examples in Sentences

Here are examples where the subject is highlighted:

1. The Eiffel Tower is a global icon.

2. Rajesh and Priya are planning a trip.

3. The children playing in the park are very cheerful.

4. Anil is a great musician, and his sister excels in painting.

5. We went to the beach last weekend.

6. Does Sarah know about the surprise party?

7. The book was returned by the library yesterday.

8. It has been snowing all day.

9. Can you help with this project?

What Is a Predicate?

The predicate describes what the subject is doing, what is being done to it, or provides more information about it. It contains the verb and any associated words that complete the idea.

Definition :

• • Oxford Learner’s Dictionary: “A part of a sentence containing a verb that makes a statement about the subject of the verb.”

Key Features of Predicates:

• • Predicates can range from single words to complex phrases.
  • They often include objects, complements, or adverbial elements providing details about the action, subject, or context.

Types of Predicates:

1. Simple Predicate: A single verb or verb phrase.

2. Compound Predicate: Two or more verbs connected by a conjunction.

3. Complete Predicate: The verb and all its modifiers or complements.

Predicate Examples in Sentences

Here are examples with predicates highlighted:

1. We are preparing for the annual festival.

2. The dog chased the cat across the yard.

3. She will be attending the conference tomorrow.

4. They decided to renovate their old house.

5. The movie starts at 7 p.m. sharp.

6. The students had a picnic by the lake.

7. The flowers have been blooming beautifully this season.

8. He was reading while waiting for his friend.

9. The road was blocked due to heavy snowfall.

10. Niya and Riya went hiking last weekend.

Test Your Knowledge of Subjects and Predicates

Identify the subject and predicate in these sentences:

1. The artist painted a beautiful portrait.

2. My father loves gardening.

3. They are planning a surprise party for Sam.

4. We stayed home because it was raining.

5. The coffee machine stopped working this morning.

6. Can Rahul and Priya join us for dinner?

7. The teacher explained the new lesson clearly.

8. It has been a long day.

Answers:

1. Subject: The artist | Predicate: Painted a beautiful portrait.

2. Subject: My father | Predicate: Loves gardening.

3. Subject: They | Predicate: Are planning a surprise party for Sam.

4. Subject: We | Predicate: Stayed home because it was raining.

5. Subject: The coffee machine | Predicate: Stopped working this morning.

6. Subject: Rahul and Priya | Predicate: Join us for dinner.

7. Subject: The teacher | Predicate: Explained the new lesson clearly.

8. Subject: It | Predicate: Has been a long day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a subject in a sentence?
A subject refers to the person, thing, or entity performing the action or being described in the sentence.

Q2. Can a sentence have multiple subjects?
Yes, a sentence can have more than one subject. This is called a compound subject.

Q3. What is a predicate in a sentence?
A predicate contains the verb and provides information about the subject, including actions, attributes, or conditions.

Q4. What are the types of predicates?
Predicates can be simple, compound, or complete, depending on the structure and elements they contain.

Q5. Can you give examples of subjects and predicates?

• • Subject: The child | Predicate: Played in the garden.
  • Subject: She | Predicate: Is reading a book.