10th Grade Study Skills Simple and Complete Subjects and Predicates JMBiddle

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Complete Subjects and Predicates

* Every sentence has two main parts: a complete subject and a complete predicate.

The complete subject includes all words that tell who or what the subject is.

Example: Most birds | can fly.

The complete predicate includes all words that state the action or condition of the subject.

Example: Most birds | can fly.

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Directions: Draw a line between the complete subject and the complete predicate in
the following sentences.

Example: The dusty old car | won’t start anymore.

1) I want a new car.

2) James is nice.
3) The sun is moving.
4) Max wrote the letter.
5) The letter was written by Max.
6) The farmers are plowing the field.
7) Billy Reynolds is an amazing baseball player.
8) The storm clouds are getting darker.
9) Dogs, cats, and turtles make the best pets.
10) The stern judge ruled that the defendant was not guilty.
11) Only I am able to know what I am thinking.
12) All of the townspeople ran from the burning building.
13) His broken leg will heal in three months.
14) The saber toothed tiger is a good example of an extinct predator.

Directions: Now try to write two sentences of your own. Draw a line between the
complete subject and the complete predicate.

1) _____________________________________________________________________

2) _____________________________________________________________________
10th Grade Study Skills Simple and Complete Subjects and Predicates JMBiddle
10th Grade Study Skills Simple10and
th Complete
Grade Subjects
Study Skills – English and Predicates
– JMBiddle JMBiddle
Name:
Simple Subject

Definition: The simple subject is the common noun, proper noun, or pronoun that the verb acts upon. The
subject is the “do-er” of the sentence. It tells whom or what the sentence is about.
Examples: A nurse assisted the patient. Simple Subject
The police officer helped prevent the accident. Complete Subject
When additional words help name or describe the simple subject, this is known as a complete subject.

Hints
To find the simple subject of the sentence, first identify any prepositional phrases and eliminate the nouns and
pronouns found in these phrases from consideration. The simple subject of the sentence is not part of a
prepositional phrase. Frequently, in imperative sentences, the simple subject you is implied (suggested, not
stated).

Practice
 Circle the simple subjects found in the story below. Add in any implied subjects.
Vacationing in Mexico, an experienced traveler will visit three famous cities. Tasco, known as the

“Silver City” because of its rich silver mines, welcomes thousands of tourists each summer to see its timeless

architecture. The cathedral impresses visitors from around the world. A second city, Guadalajara, shows off its

rich colonial heritage. Having one of the most beautiful town squares, this city gives any traveler a complete

history of Mexico. If given the opportunity, do not hesitate to visit the capital. Mexico City has many sites of

archeological importance, including pyramids of the Aztec Empire. A trip to Mexico connects the traveler with

his or her historical roots, as a North American.

 What is the complete subject in the first sentence of the above story?

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Application
Compose two sentences. In the first, circle the simple subject; in the second, circle the complete subject.

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10th Grade Study Skills Simple10and
th Complete
Grade Subjects
Study Skills – English and Predicates
– JMBiddle JMBiddle
Name:
Simple Predicate

Definition: The simple predicate is the verb that acts upon the subject of the sentence. It does the work of the
“do-er” of the sentence. The simple predicate shows a physical or mental action or it describes a state of being.
When additional words help describe the simple predicate, this is known as a complete predicate. The complete
predicate consists of the rest of the sentence other than the subject.
Examples: Michael hurt his hand. Simple Predicates
She had become a young lady.
They should have listened to me.
An angry man tried to run me off the road. Complete Predicate

Hints
To find the simple predicate, first identify the subject and ask “What?” The answer to this question should be
the predicate. The simple predicate usually follows the subject in a sentence. However, it can be placed before
the subject in a question (Was it your mother’s purse?), in an implied (suggested, not stated) sentence (Look
out!), or in a phrase or clause at the beginning of a sentence to add special emphasis (Even more interesting was
the fact that she knew it would probably rain).

Practice
Underline the simple subjects and [bracket] the simple predicates found in the story below.
Ice-cream always has pleased young and old alike as a favorite summertime dessert. One ice-cream that

pleases many is neapolitan. This treat has chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla all in one. Rocky Road delights

children of all ages with small bits of marshmallows and nuts in a rich chocolate ice-cream. For some, the nuts

or marshmallows may cause an allergic reaction. A creamy double-scoop on a sugar or waffle cone tastes great.

Watch out! Eating too much ice-cream can be an addictive behavior.

Application
Compose your own sentence with a simple predicate. Underline the subject and bracket the simple predicate.

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Compose your own sentence with a complete predicate. Underline the subject and bracket the simple predicate.

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10th Grade Study Skills Simple and Complete Subjects and Predicates JMBiddle