Simple Subject and
Predicate
Simple subject:
A simple subject only includes the actual noun performing
the action of the sentence. Any modifiers and phrases that come after the noun
are not included in the simple subject. A simple subject, however, may be more
than one word. Consider the following examples:
Kelsey gave the picture away
at an auction.
A giant, smelly pine cone on
the top of a tree scared me.
Here, “Kelsey” and “pine cone” are the nouns performing the
action of the verb; therefore, they are the simple subjects in these sentences.
Notice that none of the modifiers are included in the simple subject.
Simple predicate:
A simple predicate only includes the main verb and any
auxiliary verbs in the sentence. Any modifiers and phrases that come after the
verb are not included in the simple predicate. A simple predicate may also be
more than one word. Consider the following examples:
Michael prepared the
Thanksgiving dinner this year.
They could have smiled much
more enthusiastically for the group pictures.
Here, “prepared” and “could have smiled” are the verbs that
the subject is performing; therefore, they are the simple predicates in these
sentences. Notice that none of the modifiers, objects, and phrases are included
in the simple predicate.
Modifiers
Before we continue the explanation of subjects and predicates
(and the other parts of a sentence), we should understand the meaning of the
word "modifier". This word will be used many times throughout the
discussion of this section.
In grammar, to modify means to add detail to a word, phrase
or clause and confine its meaning. A modifier is simply a word, phrase or
clause that performs this job.
As you learned in the parts of speech section, adjectives
and adverbs are modifiers. Adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify
verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.