Parts of a Sentence

Subjects and Predicates• Sentences can be divided into two parts: the subject

and the predicate.• Complete Subject – The subject of the sentence and

the words that modify it• The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is life size.

• Simple Subject - Who or what performs the action, who or what the sentence addresses• The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is life size.

• Compound Subject – Two or more simple subjects that share the same verb• The pink flamingo cutout and the palm tree at Mark’s

desk are life size.

Subjects and Predicates• Complete Predicate – the verb or

verb phrase of the sentence• The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is

life size.• Simple Predicate – the main verb

telling what the subject did • The pink flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk is

life size.• Compound Predicate – The pink

flamingo cutout at Mark’s desk whirls and dances in the breeze.

Direct and Indirect Objects• A direct object receives the action of the

verb.• I bought my kittens the salmon treats they

love.• An indirect object tells to whom, to

what, for whom, or for what the action of the verb is done.• I bought my kittens the salmon treats they

love.

Clauses• A clause is a group of words that contains a

subject and a verb.• Independent Clause – A complete sentence

that has a subject, has a verb, and expresses a complete thought• When I go on vacation, I like to travel to places I

have never been.• Dependent Clause – Cannot stand alone as a

sentence, must be joined to an independent clause to create a complete sentence• When I go on vacation, I like to travel to places I

have never been.

Clauses Cont.• Adverb Clause – A subordinate clause

that acts as an adverb• When I smell food, I get hungry.

• Adjective Clause – A subordinate clause that acts as an adjective• The food that I smell is on the grill by the

pool.• Noun Clause – A subordinate clause

that acts as a noun• Learning study techniques is critical for

succeeding in school.

Phrases• A phrase is a group of words without a subject or

verb.• Prepositional Phrase – Consists of a preposition, its

object, and its modifiers • My vacation to Hawaii’s beautiful beaches was

wonderful.• Adjective Phrase – Functions as an adjective

• The class with many assignments was time consuming.

• Adverb Phrase – Functions as an adverb• The song was performed with great passion.

• Noun Phrase – Functions as a noun• The soaring Pelican dove into the Gulf of

Mexico.

Phrases• Participial Phrase – A participial and its

modifiers and complements• Preparing the surprise, the friends turned out the

lights and hid.• Gerund Phrase – A gerund and its modifiers

and complements• Columbia Southern University is known for

providing excellent customer service.• Infinitive Phrase – An infinitive and its

modifiers and complements• I need to get ready before my ride arrives.

• Appositive Phrase – Identifies or renames a noun or pronoun• Students in SLS 1000, an introduction to success

strategies, are eager to learn.

Modifiers

• A modifier is a word or phrase that modifies or adds meaning to another word or phrase.

• Modifiers may include adjectives, adverbs, clauses, and phrases.