Identify the simple subject or predicate of a sentence

Learning Objectives Accurately identify the simple subject in sentences containing possessive nouns. Isolate the simple predicate (verb or verb phrase) in sentences containing contractions. Differentiate between the function of possessive nouns (adjectival) and subjects (nominative). Analyze complex sentences from American literature to locate their core grammatical components. Deconstruct contractions to determine the main verb and any associated adverbs (e.g., 'not'). Apply this grammatical precision to improve the clarity and accuracy of their own analytical writing. Ever noticed how a tiny floating comma—the apostrophe—can completely change who or what is performing an action in a sentence? 🤔 Let's investigate. This tutorial focuses on a critical skill f...

TermDefinitionExample Simple SubjectThe main noun or pronoun that the sentence is about, which performs the action or is in a state of being. It does not include any modifying words.In 'The weary traveler's journey ended,' the simple subject is 'journey,' not 'traveler's'. Simple PredicateThe main verb or verb phrase that tells what the subject is, does, or has done to it. It does not include adverbs, direct objects, or other elements.In 'The author's argument hasn't fully convinced the critics,' the simple predicate is 'has convinced'. Possessive NounA noun that shows ownership or a relationship, formed with an apostrophe and 's' (e.g., student's) or just an apostrophe (e.g., students'). It function...

The Possessive Modifier Rule A noun ending in 's or s' is functioning as an adjective, not the subject. To find the simple subject, ask 'Who or what is doing the action?' The answer will be the noun being modified by the possessive, not the possessive noun itself. The possessive noun answers the question 'Whose?' The Contraction Expansion Rule To find the simple predicate, mentally expand any contractions. Expand contractions like 'isn't' to 'is not' or 'they've' to 'they have.' The simple predicate is the verb or verb phrase ('is,' 'have'). Adverbs like 'not' are never part of the simple predicate.