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
What is the simple subject in the sentence: An emergency helicopter landed at the hospital.
Simple subject: helicopter
Definition: sentence
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought.
What two things does a complete sentence always have?
A complete sentence always has a complete subject and a complete predicate.
Definition: complete subject
The complete subject includes all the words that tell whom or what the sentence is about.
Definition: complete predicate
The complete predicate includes the verb and all the words that tell what the subject is or what the subject does.
What is the complete subject and complete predicate in the sentence: The clearing of forests destroys many animals’ habitats.
Complete subject: the clearing of forests
Complete predicate: destroys many animals’ habitats
What is the complete subject and complete predicate in the sentence: Some animals cannot adapt to new environments.
Complete subject: some animals
Complete predicate: cannot adapt to new environments
What is the complete subject and complete predicate in the sentence: American bison became an endangered species in the 1800s.
Complete subject: American bison
Complete predicate: became and endangered species in the 1800s.
What is the complete subject and complete predicate in the sentence: Many scientists are working to save the giant panda population.
Complete subject: Many scientists
Complete predicate: are working to save the giant panda population
