HALAR INSTITUTE, DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTICS

SUBJECT VS PREDICATE
ELEMENTS OF SENTENSES

Subject
Predicate
Simple Subject
Simple Predicate
Compound Subject
Compound Predicate
The beginners begin learning about the different parts of a sentence. These parts give each word a job. And
every complete sentence needs two things: a subject and a predicate. But what exactly are they?
The subject of the sentence is what or whom the sentence is about. In the sentence “The cat is sleeping in the
sun,” the word cat is the subject.
A predicate is the part of a sentence, or a clause, that tells what the subject is doing or what the subject is.
Let’s take the same sentence from before: “The cat is sleeping in the sun.” The clause is sleeping in the sun is
the predicate; it’s dictating what the cat is doing. Cute!

Examples:
1: The cat stretched.
Subject Predicate
2: Kashan stood on his tiptoes.
3: The car turned the corner.
4: Hira twirled in circles.
5: My friends allowed me to play.
6: Our principal welcomed us.
7: All horses are animals.
8: Some boy are making noise.
9: Many parents don’t take care of their children.
10: Abdul Shakoor is teacher of English language.
What Implied Subject
Some simple sentences have a single subject and verb, but the subject isn't stated in the sentence. Instead, the
reader knows who the subject is from context. You'll notice that many of these short examples are imperative
sentences with an implied subject of "you":

1: Run!
2: Open the jar carefully.
3: Read the directions.
4: Don't cry.
5: Use common sense.
6: Make the best of things.
7: Help me!
8: Speak in English.
9: Wait for us.
10: Help the poor.

Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

1 Teacher of English language
& grammar
Compound Subject and One Verb
You'll also see simple sentences with a compound subject and one verb. In this case, the subjects are joined by
a conjunction like "and" and are all performing the action described in the verb. There may be modifiers
and direct objects here as well, as you'll see in some of these examples:

1: Sarah and Hira drove to the store.

2: Kashan and I opened all the gifts.
3: The cat and the dog ate meat together.
4: My parents and I went to a movie.
5: Mr. Kashan and Mr. Zaid are dancing gracefully.
6: You, he, and I are on the committee.
7: The ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, and corn are gluten-free.
8: The paper and the pencil sat idle on the desk.
9: The Horses and the cows are grazing grass in the field.
10: The teachers and the students were enjoying themselves at the party.

One Subject and Compound Verb

You'll also see some simple sentences with more than one verb and a single subject. In this case, they
are compound verbs. The subject is doing all the actions, and the actions go together. The easiest way to see
this is with some examples:

1: Hira walked and looked around.

2: My students played and enjoyed the match.
3: He was eating and talking.
4: I rinsed and dried the dishes.
5: Sir Nabeel stood up and spoke to the crowd.
6: We cleaned and coloured the walls.
7: Teachers taught and helped the students.
8: She looked and smiled at me.
9: They will read and write the essays.
10: I am eating and dancing at the party.

Phrase and clause:

A phrase is a group of words without any subject or predicate that cannot make complete sense alone.
Bb

Examples:
In the street A phrase can be turned into a meaningful part when it is stitched with a
In red ink sentence. A phrase creates special meaning when it’s used in a sentence.
My going to Karachi Examples:
Here and there 1: She does not like my going to Sukkur with my devoted friends.
Ups and downs 2: It was raining cats and dogs till dawn to dusk in my country.
On the table 3: I have faced many ups and downs in my busy life. ( A bolt from the blue)
In my pocket 4: Pakistan is a country with a powerful army.
In the room in your bag 5: Nobody is allowed to writhe his/ her paper in red ink in the exams.
6: Owing to illness, I was unable to carry on my classes on regular bases.
With a powerful army
7: I have kept your book in the room in your bag.
Cats and dogs 8: Do not look here and there.
Ifs and buts 9: There is something in your pocket.
Dawn to dusk 10: I don’t want to listen ifs and buts of him in my office.

Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

Teacher of English language
2 & grammar
What is a Clause?
A clause is a part of a sentence with its own subject and predicate, which often does not make complete sense.
OR a group of words that includes a subject and a verb and forms a sentence or part of a sentence.

They often go to Sukkur because they like visiting it.

Main clause Subordinate clause

There are two main types of clauses namely. Dependent clause and Independent clause
Subordinate Main

A clause that could be used by itself as a simple sentence but that is part of a larger sentence is a main clause.
OR
A clause which can stand alone as a complete sentence, and it does not need another part to be completed.
Whereas, a dependent clause is a part of a sentence that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as
a complete sentence. Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions, which include words
like although, because, and since.

I dropped the bottle because my hands were full.

Main clause Subordinate clause

Because my hands were full is not a complete sentence. It’s more than just a modifier or predicate, however,
because there’s a subject (my hands) and a verb (were).
Because my hands are full” is an incomplete thought and therefore not a full sentence. It can be noticed that
dependent clauses can’t stand alone, but they depend on independent clauses to complete their meaning.

Purpose of Dependent Clauses:

We use dependent clauses to add more information to sentences. Dependent clauses are paired with independent
clauses and may provide information like who, why, or how something happened.
The independent clause “I dropped the bottle” is a complete sentence. Adding the dependent clause explains
why I dropped the bottle.

Dependent clauses are always introduced or begin with subordinate conjunctions.

Subordinating conjunction
A conjunction that joins a main clause and a clause which does not form a complete sentence by itself.

Given below is a list of subordinating conjunctions that can be used in everyday conversation.

Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions

After When Before As soon as Because As Since Though Although
Even though If Unless Until Even if Once While Than Till that Whenever
Wherever As though As long as Provided So that That

Relative Pronouns: What Who whose whom which where how why when

Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

2 Teacher of English language
& grammar
After reading the following sentences you will be able to identify dependent and independent clauses.
Examples:
1. Whenever I am busy, I do not listen to anyone.
2. Though it was raining, she went out to see the weather.
3. Although the kitchen is small, it is well designed.
4. Even though he’s a millionaire, he lives in a very small flat.
5. I will not teach you unless you pay me two thousand rupees.
6. Laiba comes to center even though she is ill.
7. Aisha is not delivering her presentation although she is ready.
8. I will go to the park if it stops raining.
9. Because she was tired, she decided to go to bed early.
10. After he finished his homework, he played video games.
11. The book, which I read last week, was really interesting.
12. Whenever I see her, I feel happy.
13. If I win the lottery, I will travel the world.
14. Although she studied hard, she didn’t pass the test.
15. Until the rain stopped, I did not go shopping.
16. As soon as the sun rises, the birds start singing.
17. I have missed him terribly since he has gone to America.
18. Before you go to bed, brush your teeth.
19. The movie, which was based on a true story, was very inspiring.
20. Unless you practise, you won’t get better at playing the piano.
21. While I was walking to the store, I saw my neighbour.
22. Even though it was cold outside, she wore a T-shirt.
23. As soon as he arrived, he called me.
24. If you don’t hurry, we’ll be late for the movie.
25. Although he was tired, he stayed up late to finish his project.
26. Because he forgot his keys, he couldn’t enter his room.
27. Although she practiced every day, she didn’t win the competition.
28. Unless you finish your work, you won’t be able to go to the party.
29. What I know about her, you do not know.
30. As soon as she came, I stood up.
31. Whenever I eat too much, I feel bloated.
32. After he finished his work, he took a cold shower.
33. While he was reading a book, his phone was ringing.
34. Before I go to bed, I like to read a book to relax.
35. I will be so upset if she decides not to visit me.
36. While I enjoy eating food, my friend gets angry with me.
37. Please let me know when you arrived.
38. Although I know he is a famous actor, I do not remember his name.
39. My sister, who is in the police force, has always been very outgoing and confident.
40. He braked his phone, after his father came.
41. He could not come to center because he was ill.
42. I'll be leaving my job soon as I'm close to retirement.
43. Where she lives, I don’t know.
44. When you called me, I was not at my home.
45. If you were a queen, I would merry you.

Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

4 Teacher of English language
0 & grammar
 KINDS OF SENTENCES
There are four kinds of sentences.
What is a sentence?
A complete, meaningful unit of words with a subject and a verb expressing a statement, a question, or an
order. In written English, sentences begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop (.) or a question mark
(?). Or an exclamation mark (!). i.e., (There is no god but Allah.)

1: Simple sentence
2: Compound Sentence
3: Complex sentence
4: Compound complex sentence

1: Simple sentence:
A simple sentence consists of only one independent clause, which cannot be divided into two / more clauses.
Examples:

1: Qaid e Azam was a great leader of Pakistan.

2: Abdul eats apples.
3: Charity begins at home.
4: They live at Sukkur.
5: There are ten classes in HALAR.
6: Abdul Shakoor is a teacher of English language.
7: I believe in oneness of Allah.
8: We are Muslims.
9: It is raining in our city.
10: Students are enjoying themselves at the party.
11: Abdul does not like writing in pencil.
12: Love is blind.
13: Rom was not built in a day.
14: I am jack of all trades and master of none.

2: Compound sentence.
A compound sentence is made up of two or more simple sentences joined with a coordinate conjunction.
(FANBOYS) For, and, nor, but, or, yet & so.
Examples:
1: A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.
2: It is snowing outside, but we are not going out to enjoy it.
3: She is so famous, yet she is very humble.
4: I saw Abdul Shakoor yesterday, but he didn’t see me.
5: They wanted to go to Paris, but I wanted to see London.
6: She is very smart, and she knows it.
7: They do not work hard, nor do they go to school.
8: I spent all my savings, so I can’t go to France this winter.
9: I want to lose weight, yet I eat chocolate daily.
10: The boys sang, and the girls danced.

5 Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

Teacher of English language
& grammar
3: Complex sentence
A complex sentence contains one or two dependent clauses and one independent clause.

Examples:
1: Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.
2: Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy.
3: She returned the computer after she noticed damage to it.
4: As she was bright and ambitious, she became a manager in no time.
5: Wherever you go, you can always find beauty.
6: Evergreen trees are a symbol of fertility because they do not die in the winter.
7: Although it was very long, the movie was still enjoyable.
8: You should take your car in for a service because it is starting to make weird noises.
9: Ibrar got a part in a movie even though the part was small.
10: After the tornado hit, there was very little left standing.
11: The lecture was very interesting as I expected it.
12: Even though Anas is thoroughly trained, he still makes a lot of mistakes.
13: Since you are teaching us, we are learning much.
14: When Mehak was younger, she believed in fairy tales.
15: Tayyaba likes teaching because she wants to be a lecturer.
16: If you came to my home, I would give you lots of toys.
17: When he comes, I will see her.
18: Unless you call me, I shall not come there.

4: Compound complex sentence

So, a compound complex sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a co-ordinate
conjunction, and at least one dependent clause. In other words, it is a compound sentence with a dependent,
or subordinate clause.

Examples:
In these examples, the dependent, or subordinate, clauses are bold.
1: She returned the computer after she noticed, it was damaged.
2: I will get to watch television, but first, I have to clean up the dishes after we finish eating.
3: It was difficult to play, yet we won the game because it rained the entire time.
4: After we came back from the beach, our school started back, and I was excited to see my friends.
5: She cried yesterday, and she called a doctor when her cat got sick.
6: The sun is shining through the clouds, so I think that we can go swimming.
7: Because he paid attention, he got an A+ in the exam, and he was so happy.
8: While Hira reads the novel, Faiza reads comics, but Mehak reads only fairy tales.
9: When you are ready, I will call Ibrar, and we can go together.
10: Sara forgot her anniversary; she sent her a greeting card when she finally remembered.
11: Hira wants cake because she is hungry, but she cannot take the calories.
12: After Mehak eats breakfast, she goes to work or she goes shopping.
13: While she reads a book, she also listens to the radio, and she eats popcorn too.
14: When the bell rang, the students ran to their classes, and the teacher started the lesson.
15: I went to the market, but I did not buy anything because I forgot my wallet at home.

Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

6 Teacher of English language
& grammar
 Kinds of simple sentence
Simple sentences can be written into five different styles.

1: Assertive/Declarative Sentence:
Most of the sentences in the English language are assertive sentences. An assertive sentence is one that declares
or asserts a statement, feeling, opinion, incident, event, history, or anything else. An assertive sentence ends
with a period (.). Assertive sentences can be either affirmative or negative.
Examples:

1: Anas is a good cricket player.

2: Ibrar plays for the club.
3: Ahmed always gives his best effort in the team.
4: Aqash is a good leader.
5: I like him for his intensity.
6: He plays with passion.
7: Abdul is writing a letter.
8: Rehan is a humble man.
9: Ahmed feels awkward with strangers.
10: Abdul has many fans in his locality.

2: Imperative sentences:
The sentence that is used to convey a command, a request, or a forbiddance is called an imperative sentence.
This type of sentence always takes the second person (you) as the subject, but most of the time the subject
remains hidden.
Examples:

1: Bring me a glass of water.

2: Don’t ever touch my phone!
3: Give me a pen and a pencil.
4: Play with intensity and courage.
5: Remember me in your prayers.
6: Never forget the person who loves you.
7: Take a step and don’t move.
8: Don’t be excited about everything without reason.
9: Don’t rush to the hospital.
10: Read it loudly!
11: Do it.
12: Don’t laugh at me!
13: Please, help me.
14: Read the paper for me, please.
15: Take your turn.
16: Shoot him!
17: let him go.
18: Don’t let him speak before me!
19: Kneel down!
20: Help me, please!

Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

7 Teacher of English language
& grammar
3: Interrogative sentence:
An interrogative sentence asks a direct question and is punctuated at the end with a question mark. It is one of
the four basic types of sentences, and it's a highly useful one. Could you imagine life without questions?
Interrogative sentences allow you to gather information, clear up confusion, and engage in interesting
conversations with others. It's also useful in writing as an organisational tool; for example, you can set up
questions as headers and answer them to explain a concept in more detail in expository writing.

Examples:

1: What is the right way to iron a shirt?

2: When is Mehak going to deliver her speech?
3: Where is your new cat?
4: Why is the sky blue?
5: How are you today?
6: Who is the best speaker of English language in your class?
7: are you a student?
8: Is she a doctor?
9: Are they students of Halar?
10: Do you know him?
11: What is your favourite colour?
12: Why does she weeps in my class?
14: Is she coming?
15: Are they given their files?
16: Will you go to Dubai for earning money?
17: Have they completed their assignment?
18: Do you love eating samosa?

4: Optative sentence:
A sentence which expresses a prayer, keen wish, curse etc. is called an Optative sentence. This kind of
sentence generally starts with ‘may’ and ‘wish’. Sometimes, ‘may’ remains hidden.

Examples:

1: May the Principal of HALAR live long?

2: Long live the king of Pakistan.
3: May you too live long enough to see your grandchildren?
4: May God bless us all?
5: May you become successful enough to buy love!
6: May the almighty help you in this tragedy!
7: Wish you a very successful married life.
8: Wish you a happy journey together.
9: May your team win the match!
15: May you never get sick!
11: May she gets have a nice day!
12: Happy birthday to you!
13: O Allah increase me in knowledge!
14: I wish, I had enough knowledge!
15: May you become my queen!

8 Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

Teacher of English language
& grammar
5: Exclamatory Sentence:
The sentence that expresses sudden and intense excitement, disgust, admiration, shock, sorrow, etc. is called
an exclamatory sentence. This kind of sentence must have a note of exclamation (!) at the end or in the middle
of the sentence.

Examples:

1: Hey! Don’t touch my phone.

2: Alas! I could not be at her funeral.
3: Hush! Your father is sleeping.
4: What a boring day it is!
5: How disgusting it becomes!
6: What a nice car you have!
7: What a beautiful she is!
8: How gorgeous the dress is!
9: Hurrah! We are going to Islamabad.
10: How blessed I am to see such a sight!
11: What beautiful country it is!
12: How fluently the lady talks in English!
13: What a pity! You can’t join us.
14: What a scenery it is!
15: What a fast bowler he is!

9 Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

Teacher of English language
& grammar
DUMMY SUBJECT
English clauses which are not imperatives must have a subject. Sometimes we need to use a ‘dummy’ or ‘empty’
or ‘artificial’ subject when there is no subject attached to the verb, and where the real subject is somewhere
else in the clause. It and there are the two dummy subjects used in English:
It’s always interesting to find out about your family history.

Real subject: To find out about your family history is always interesting. (The real subject – the thing that is interesting
– is ‘to find out about your family history’.)

There are five Dutch people in our village. (The real subject is the Dutch people – they are in the village.)

It as a dummy subject: We often use it as a dummy subject with adjectives and their complements:
It’s important to wear a helmet whenever you do any dangerous sport.

Real subject: Wearing a helmet when you do any dangerous sport is important.
Not: Is important to wear a helmet … (The real subject is ‘wearing a helmet when you do any dangerous sport’ – that is
what is important.)

It’s useful to write down your passport number somewhere, in case you lose it.

There as a dummy subject:

There operates as a dummy subject in the construction there is or there are. There is/are indicates that something or
someone exists or is in a particular place or situation:

There is a woman waiting outside who wants to talk to you. (The real subject is the woman).
Not: Is a woman waiting outside … or it’s a woman waiting outside…
There are two shops in the village.
Not: Are two shops … or they are two shops…

There: If there is no other subject, we use there to talk about: where or when something is:
There's an interesting book on the shelf. There'll be an eclipse of the moon tonight.
A number or amount:
There is plenty of bread left. There were twenty people at the meeting.
Something existing or happening:
There's a small problem. There was a nasty fight.
IT: We use it to talk about: Times and dates:
It's nearly one o'clock. It's my birthday.
The weather:
It's raining. It's a lovely day.
It was getting cold. It is I who am your friend.
We use it with the verb be and an –ing form or to-infinitive to express opinions:
It's great living here. It's nice to meet you.

Compiled by Abdul Shakoor Kandhro

Teacher of English language
& grammar