The
Subject and the Predicate
Every complete
sentence has two parts – a subject
and a predicate.
A
Subject
is a word or a group of words that denotes the person or thing about whom or
which something is said. The subject may be a noun or a pronoun or a noun-
equivalent. It may consist of any number of words. For example:
(a) A little
learning
is a dangerous thing.
(b) Everybody’s
business is
nobody’s business.
(c) He did it in a very
careless manner.
Note: The subject is often understood
in imperative sentences. For example:
(a)
Come at once. = You come at once.
(b)
Tell me your name. = You tell me your name.
(c)
Report in time. = You report in time.
A Predicate is
a word or a group of words that denotes what is said about the subject. It must
have at least a finite verb, expressed or understood. For example:
(a) He walked with firm steps.
(b) India is a very large country.
(c) Rice is the principal food of the Bengalees.