Page 7 - Basic English Grammar Student Textbook short

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. A sentence always has two required parts:
a subject and predicate. In the English language, typically the subject comes before the predicate. Notice the
examples below.

1. Tammy teaches.
2. Tammy and Kelly teach.
3. Kelly teaches and preaches.
4. Tammy teaches the students.
5. Tammy teaches the new students.
6. The young teacher gladly taught the students with her handsome husband.

Subject
The subject of a sentence is the part about which something is said. The complete subject is made up of the
simple subject plus any describing words (called modifiers). The simple subject is always a noun or pronoun
and does not the modifiers found in the complete subject.

• My holy God put gladness in my heart. (My holy God is the complete subject; God is the simple subject.)
Predicate

The predicate of a sentence is the part that says something about the subject. The complete predicate is made
up of the simple predicate (verb) plus any describing words or phrases.

• My holy God placed gladness in my heart. (placed gladness in my heart is the complete predicate;
placed is the simple predicate)
Practice 1A: Subjects and Predicates. Underline the simple predicate (verb). Underline the simple subject;
then put an Asterix ( * ) between the subject and the predicate.

Example: My daughter * planned a trip.

1. Erin struggles with trials.
2. The students completed the hard work.
3. John and James gained the benefits.
4. John prayed again.
5. The citizens hated the Samaritans.
Sentence Types

There are four kinds of sentences; they are classified according to their purpose.
Declarative (Statement)
A declarative sentence simply makes a statement. It ends with a full stop (period).
• He who covers his sins will not prosper.

Imperative (Command)
An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request. The subject - because it is not stated - is referred
to as "you understood" (you). There are many commands in Scripture. Depending on the emotional intensity of
the command, it ends with either a full stop or an exclamation point.
• Do not let your heart envy sinners. • Throw him into the lion's den!

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