English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Identify the simple subject or simple predicate of a sentence
Identify the simple subject or simple predicate of a sentence
What you'll learn
- Identify the simple subject in at least 8 out of 10 sentences with compound subjects or prepositional phrases.
- Identify the simple predicate (verb) in at least 8 out of 10 sentences, including those with helping verbs and compound predicates.
- Apply knowledge of simple subjects and simple predicates to correctly label each in 5 complex sentences provided.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define simple subject and simple predicate.
Distinguish between the complete subject and the simple subject.
Distinguish between the complete predicate and the simple predicate.
Accurately identify the simple subject in various sentence structures.
Accurately identify the simple predicate in various sentence structures.
Explain the function of the simple subject and simple predicate in forming a complete thought.
Ever wonder how sentences work like tiny machines? ⚙️ Every sentence has a core engine and a main action, and understanding them helps you build stronger sentences!
In this lesson, you'll learn to pinpoint the essential 'who' or 'what' (the simple subject) and the core 'action' or 'state of being' (th...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
SentenceA group of words that expresses a complete thought and contains both a subject and a predicate.The cat slept.
SubjectThe part of the sentence that tells who or what the sentence is about.The **cat** slept.
PredicateThe part of the sentence that tells what the subject does or is.The cat **slept**.
Simple SubjectThe main noun or pronoun in the complete subject, stripped of all modifiers (like adjectives or articles).The fluffy **cat** slept soundly. (Simple subject: cat)
Simple PredicateThe main verb or verb phrase in the complete predicate, without any modifiers, objects, or complements.The fluffy cat **slept** soundly. (Simple predicate: slept)
Complete SubjectThe simple subject and all the words that describe or modify it.***The fluffy cat*** slept soundly....
3
Key Rules & Conventions
Find the Verb First
To identify the simple predicate, always locate the main verb or verb phrase in the sentence. This is the action or state of being.
The verb is the engine of the sentence. Once you've found the verb (or verb phrase, including helping verbs), you've found the simple predicate. It's the core action or state.
Ask 'Who or What?'
To identify the simple subject, ask 'Who or what performs this action?' or 'Who or what is in this state of being?' The answer will be the simple subject.
After finding the verb, this question helps you isolate the main noun or pronoun that is doing the verb or being described by it. It points directly to the core subject.
Ignore Modifiers and Prepositional Phrases
When identifying th...
5 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A student claims the simple subject of 'The winner of the many difficult races was tired' is 'races'. Based on the tutorial's rules, why is this incorrect?
A.The simple subject must be at the very beginning of the sentence.
B.'Races' is plural, but the verb 'was' is singular.
C.'Races' is the object of the verb 'was'.
D.The simple subject cannot be in a prepositional phrase, and 'races' is in the phrase 'of the many difficult races'.
Challenging
A student identifies 'is building a detailed model' as the simple predicate of the sentence 'The architect is building a detailed model.' Why is this analysis flawed according to the tutorial?
A.The simple predicate should be 'is' because it's a state of being verb.
B.The simple predicate is only the verb phrase 'is building'; 'a detailed model' is a direct object.
C.The simple predicate must also include the adverb 'detailed'.
D.The simple predicate is just 'building' because 'is' is a helping verb.
Challenging
In the complex sentence, 'Although the storm raged outside, the cozy cat and the sleepy dog napped by the fire,' what is the simple subject of the main clause?
A.cat and dog
B.storm
C.the cozy cat and the sleepy dog
D.fire
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing FreeMore from Subject and predicate
English Language Arts for other grades
Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Identify the simple subject or simple predicate of a sentence"?
Identify the simple subject or simple predicate of a sentence is a Grade 7 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Identify the simple subject or simple predicate of a sentence?
You'll be able to: Identify the simple subject in at least 8 out of 10 sentences with compound subjects or prepositional phrases; Identify the simple predicate (verb) in at least 8 out of 10 sentences, including those with helping verbs and….
Is "Identify the simple subject or simple predicate of a sentence" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Identify the simple subject or simple predicate of a sentence?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.