Introduction
What is Subject and Predicate in a Sentence?
In English grammar, every sentence must have two essential parts: the subject and the predicate. Without these two elements, a sentence cannot express a complete thought. The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, while the predicate explains what the subject does, has, or is.
For example:
- The boy (subject) is reading a book. (predicate)
- The flowers (subject) bloom in spring. (predicate)
In both cases, the subject identifies the main focus, and the predicate tells us something about it. This balance is what makes a sentence complete and meaningful.
Understanding subjects and predicates is not only important for grammar learners but also for writers, teachers, and professionals. It builds the foundation for writing clear, structured, and error-free sentences.
Table of Contents
What is a Subject?
The subject is the part of the sentence that names the person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about. It answers the question “Who?” or “What?” before the action of the sentence.
✅ Examples of Subjects
- The dog barked all night.
- My best friend lives in Delhi.
- Books are sources of knowledge.
- The Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors.
- Happiness is the key to a good life.
👉 Here, each bold part is the subject, giving us the main topic of the sentence.
🔹 Types of Subjects
- Simple Subject
The primary noun or pronoun acting within the sentence.- Example: Birds fly.
- Complete Subject
The simple subject plus its modifiers.- Example: The little birds in the garden are chirping.
- Compound Subject
Two or more subjects joined by a conjunction.- Example: Ravi and Sita went to the market.
- Hidden/Implied Subject
Often used in imperative sentences where the subject “you” is understood.- Example: (You) Sit down.
What is a Predicate?
The predicate tells us what the subject does, what it is, or what happens to it.“It invariably has a verb and may further include objects, complements, or modifiers.”
✅ Examples of Predicates
- The dog barked all night.
- My best friend lives in Delhi.
- Books are sources of knowledge.
- The Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors.
- Happiness is the key to a good life.
👉 Here, each italic part is the predicate, completing the thought.
🔹 Types of Predicates
- Simple Predicate – Just the main verb.
- Example: She runs.
- Complete Predicate – Verb + modifiers.
- Example: She runs very fast to catch the bus.
- Compound Predicate – Two or more verbs joined with a conjunction.
- Example: He sings and plays the guitar.
Subject and Predicate Examples in Sentences
Here’s a table for clarity:
| Sentence | Subject | Predicate |
|---|---|---|
| The cat is sleeping on the sofa. | The cat | is sleeping on the sofa |
| My brother loves cricket. | My brother | loves cricket |
| Children are playing in the park. | Children | are playing in the park |
| The teacher explained the lesson. | The teacher | explained the lesson |
| Life is full of surprises. | Life | is full of surprises |
Read Also- What are Idioms and Phrases? Definition, Types & Examples
Rules of Subject and Predicate
- A sentence must have both subject and predicate.
- The subject usually comes first, but not always.
- Example: Here comes the bus.
- The predicate always includes a verb.
- A subject or predicate can be simple, complete, or compound.
- In imperative sentences, the subject “you” is understood.
- Example: Close the door. (You close the door.)
Difference Between Subject and Predicate
| Aspect | Subject | Predicate |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Who/what the sentence is about | What the subject does/is |
| Position | Usually at the beginning | Usually follows the subject |
| Core Element | Noun or pronoun | Verb or verb phrase |
| Example | The boy runs fast. | The boy runs fast. |
Importance of Subject and Predicate
- ✅ They form the basic structure of a sentence.
- ✅ Help in avoiding sentence fragments.
- ✅ Improve clarity in writing and speaking.
- ✅ Essential for essay writing, exam preparation, and formal communication.
- ✅ Build the foundation for advanced grammar topics like clauses and sentence types.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- ❌ Missing subject or predicate
- Wrong: Running in the park.
- Correct: The children are running in the park.
- ❌ Subject-verb disagreement
- Wrong: The dogs barks loudly.
- Correct: The dogs bark loudly.
- ❌ Confusing complete vs. simple subjects/predicates
- Wrong: Birds in the sky (incomplete).
- Correct: Birds in the sky are flying.
Exercises on Subject and Predicate
Identify the subject and predicate in the following sentences:
- The sun rises in the east.
- My father reads the newspaper every morning.
- Stars twinkle at night.
- The little girl sang beautifully.
- The train arrived late.
👉 Answer Key:
- “Subject: The sun | Predicate: always rises in the east.”
- Subject: My father | Predicate: reads the newspaper every morning.
- Subject: Stars | Predicate: twinkle at night.
- Subject: The little girl | Predicate: sang beautifully.
- Subject: The train | Predicate: arrived late.
Advanced Note: Subject and Predicate in Complex Sentences
- Simple Sentence: She reads.
- Compound Sentence: She reads and he writes.
- Complex Sentence: She reads books that inspire her.
👉 Even in complex structures, each independent clause contains a subject and predicate.
FAQs about Subject and Predicate
Q1: Can a sentence exist without a subject?
No, every complete sentence must have a subject and a predicate. “Imperatives include the subject ‘you,’ though it is usually left unstated.”
Q2: Is a verb always part of the predicate?
Yes, the verb is the heart of the predicate.
Q3: Can subjects or predicates be compound?
Yes, both can be compound. Example: Ravi and Sita (compound subject) sing and dance (compound predicate).
Q4: Why are subject and predicate important in exams?
Because they form the foundation of sentence structure questions in grammar, essays, and comprehension.
Conclusion
The subject and predicate are the two pillars of English grammar that give sentences meaning and structure.
- “It is the subject that tells us the person or object a sentence refers to.”
- The predicate tells us what the subject does, has, or is.
By mastering these concepts, you will:
- Write clearer and more effective sentences.
- Avoid common grammar mistakes.
- Develop a stronger foundation for advanced writing.
👉 Whether you’re a beginner in English or preparing for exams, learning subjects and predicates is the first step to becoming a confident communicator.
