Grammar- Complete Subjects, Complete Predicates, Simple Subjects, Verb Phrases Flashcards
Definition: verb phrase
A verb phrase is the words that make up the simple predicate. The verb phrase includes the main verb and one or more helping verbs.
Definition: main verb
A verb that can stand alone in the predicate of a sentence.
Definition: helping verb
A verb that cannot stand alone in the predicate of a sentence. Helping verbs express action or show time.
List all the “forms of be” helping verbs. (Hint: there are 7)
is, am, was, are, were, be, been
List all the “forms of do” helping verbs. (Hint: there are 3)
do, does, did
List all the “forms of have” helping verbs. (Hint: there are 3)
has, have, had
List all the “other” helping verbs. (Hint: there are 8)
may, might, can, should, could, would, shall, will
What is the main verb and helping verb in the sentence: The Underground Railroad has played a special role in our history?
Main verb: played
Helping verb: has
What is the main verb and helping verb in the sentence: No one really was hidden underground.
Main verb: hidden
Helping verb: was
What is the main verb and helping verbs in the sentence: One famous conductor has been called “the president of the railroad.”
Main verb: called
Helping verbs: has, been
Definition: simple subject
The simple subject is the main word or words in the complete subject.
True or false: when a proper name is used as the subject, all parts of the name make up the simple subject.
True! Examples: Judge Lane, Ms. Mathews, Mayor Joe
What is the simple subject in the sentence: The skyscrapers in downtown are so tall!
Simple subject: skyscraper
What is the simple subject in the sentence: Many busy people don’t have time to eat a nutritious lunch.
Simple subject: people
What is the simple subject in the sentence: Life in the city is often hectic.
Simple subject: life
