Lesson 94

Parts of the Sentence - Subject/Verb

A simple sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought, and it must have a subject and a verb (predicate - some grammar books use the word predicate, but I will use verb).  A verb shows action or state of being.  The subject tells who or what about the verb.  When finding the subject and the verb in a sentence, always find the verb first and then say who or what followed by the verb.

Example:
The bell rang.
Find the verb - rang
Who or what rang?
The bell rang, so bell is the subject.
The bell rang.

 
 
 

An interrogative sentence asks a question.

Example:
Do you know the man?

Interrogative sentences many times have the subject between the parts of the verb phrase. To find the verb and the subject, turn the question into a statement.

Example:
Have you seen my coat?
You have seen my coat.
Find the verb - have seen
Who or what have seen?
You have seen, so you is the subject.
Have you seen my coat?

 
 
 

Instructions: Find the subject and verb in the following interrogative sentences.

1. Has James left for home?

2. When did the noise begin?

3. Where is Jeanne attending college?

4. Did Jeff eat any dinner?

5. Will you return on Sunday?