Subjects, Objects, Predicates Introduction

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Sentences are like the pre-Leia Han Solos of clauses.

Translation: they make sense by themselves.

A sentence—also known as an independent clause—a word or group of words that expresses a complete thought, without other information. In order for a sentence to be a sentence, it needs to include both a subject and a predicate. A predicate is a verb and the object (or objects, that rascal) of the verb's affection. The tiniest sentence is just a subject and a verb. The biggest ones have a subject, verb, direct object, and indirect object.

So, in other words:

Always required:

  • Subject
  • Verb

Sometimes required:

  • Direct object
  • Indirect object
  • Other objects or modifiers

So what are these tricky little creatures: subjects, objects, and predicates? Don't be put off by their official-sounding titles—much like Professor Albus Dumbledore, they sound scary and intimidating, but they're totally approachable.

Quiz Yourself on Subjects, Objects, Predicates

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In which sentence is plant functioning as a direct object?

(A) My Great Aunt Edna's cymbidium orchid was the prize-winning plant at our state fair's horticultural competition.
(B) I was afraid she would lose, because when I carried the plant into the exhibition hall, I accidentally tore some of its petals off.
(C) I'm just glad I didn't mention to Aunt Edna what happened to her plant.
(D) Both A and C

In which sentence is a form of the word rain functioning as an object?

(A) I love it when a good storm brings the rain down on our roof.
(B) In fact, when it rains, I head up to the attic just to listen to it.
(C) Rain on the attic roof makes curling up with a good book even cozier.
(D) Both A and B

In which sentence does coffee function as the subject of the sentence?

(A) After living in Seattle in the '80s, my parents developed a taste for "Charbucks," which is what they call coffee that's super dark and roasted until it's almost burnt.
(B) But coffee like that makes my stomach hurt.
(C) I prefer my coffee light and sweet.
(D) Both B and C

Fill in the blanks: Emily and ______ decided to make fettuccine Alfredo for Michael's birthday dinner. When _____ and _____ started eating it, they discovered we had forgotten the cheese.

(A) me, she, him
(B) me, her, him
(C) I, she, he
(D) I, she, him

Which word or words form the simple predicate in the following sentence?

Dustin will never graduate from high school if he keeps skipping class to go play disc golf.

(A) graduate
(B) will graduate
(C) will never graduate
(D) graduate, keeps

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