Subject and Predicate

Introduction

Subject and Predicate are the two most fundamental components of an English sentence. Every sentence, whether simple or complex, is built around these two parts. A clear understanding of subject and predicate is essential for mastering sentence structure, subject–verb agreement, error detection, sentence correction, cloze test, active–passive voice, direct–indirect speech, and para jumbles.

In competitive examinations such as UPSC (CSAT), SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS), RRB (NTPC, Group D), Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI), CAT, XAT, CDS, NDA, State PSCs, a large number of English questions are directly or indirectly based on the correct identification and use of subject and predicate.

What is a Sentence?

A sentence is a group of words arranged in a correct order that expresses a complete meaning.

Examples:

The boy is reading a book.
Honesty is the best policy.

Every complete sentence has two essential parts:

Subject – who or what the sentence is about
Predicate – what is said about the subject

Without either of these, a sentence is incomplete.

What is Subject?

Definition

The Subject is the part of the sentence about which something is said. It usually denotes the doer of the action or the person/thing being described.

Examples:

Ram is honest.
The students are preparing for exams.
Hard work leads to success.

In the above sentences, the bold words are the subjects.

Characteristics of Subject

Usually comes before the verb in affirmative sentences
Can be a noun, pronoun, noun phrase, or gerund
Determines the number and person of the verb

Examples:

Swimming is a good exercise.
What he said was true.

Kinds of Subject

1. Simple Subject

The Simple Subject is the main word (noun or pronoun) that tells who or what the sentence is about, without modifiers.

Examples:

Boy is playing.
She is intelligent.

2. Complete Subject

The Complete Subject consists of the simple subject along with all its modifiers (adjectives, articles, phrases).

Examples:

The intelligent boy won the prize.
All the hardworking students passed the examination.

Here:

Simple Subject → boy, students
Complete Subject → the intelligent boy, all the hardworking students

3. Compound Subject

A Compound Subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as and, or, nor.

Examples:

Ram and Shyam are best friends.
Honesty and discipline are essential qualities.

Exam Note: When joined by and, the verb is usually plural.

4. Implied (Understood) Subject

In some sentences, especially imperative sentences, the subject is not stated but is understood.

Examples:

Close the door. (Subject = You)
Please help me. (Subject = You)

5. Dummy Subject (Introductory Subject)

Sometimes the subject has no real meaning and is used only to complete the sentence structure.

Examples:

It is raining.
There are many problems in life.

Here, it and there are called dummy subjects.

What is Predicate?

Definition

The Predicate is the part of the sentence that says something about the subject. It includes the verb and all the words that follow it.

Examples:

Ram is honest.
The students are preparing for exams.

Characteristics of Predicate

Always contains a verb
May contain objects, complements, modifiers
Explains the action, state, or condition of the subject

Kinds of Predicate

1. Simple Predicate

The Simple Predicate is the main verb or verb phrase in the sentence.

Examples:

He runs fast.
She is sleeping.

2. Complete Predicate

The Complete Predicate consists of the verb and all the words that complete its meaning.

Examples:

He runs very fast in the morning.
She is sleeping peacefully in her room.

3. Compound Predicate

A Compound Predicate consists of two or more verbs that share the same subject.

Examples:

He stood up and spoke confidently.
She sings and dances beautifully.

Subject–Verb Agreement (Very Important for Exams)

The verb must agree with the subject in number and person.

Important Rules

Singular subject → Singular verb
- He is ready.
Plural subject → Plural verb
- They are ready.
Compound subject joined by and takes plural verb
- Ram and Shyam are friends.
When joined by as well as, along with, together with, the verb agrees with the first subject
- Ram, along with his friends, is going.
Each, everyone, somebody, nobody → singular verb
- Everyone is happy.

These rules are frequently tested in SSC, Banking, and RRB exams.

Identifying Subject and Predicate (Exam Technique)

Step 1: Identify the verb

Ask: What is happening?

Step 2: Ask who or what before the verb

The answer is the subject.

Step 3: Remaining part is the predicate

Example:

The hardworking students are preparing for exams.
- Verb → are preparing
- Who are preparing? → the hardworking students (Subject)
- Remaining part → predicate

Subject and Predicate in Different Types of Sentences

Assertive Sentence

The sun rises in the east.
- Subject → The sun
- Predicate → rises in the east

Interrogative Sentence

Are you ready for the test?
- Subject → you
- Predicate → are ready for the test

Imperative Sentence

Finish your work.
- Subject → You (understood)
- Predicate → finish your work

Common Errors Related to Subject and Predicate

Missing subject
Wrong subject–verb agreement
Confusion between simple and complete subject
Incorrect handling of compound subjects
Dummy subject confusion

These are commonly tested in error detection questions.

Importance of Subject and Predicate in Competitive Exams

Question Types

Spot the error
Sentence correction
Fill in the blanks
Cloze test
Sentence rearrangement

Exams Where Frequently Asked

SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS
RRB NTPC, Group D
IBPS & SBI PO/Clerk
CAT & other MBA exams
UPSC CSAT

Preparation Strategy

Practice identifying subject and predicate daily
Revise subject–verb agreement rules
Solve previous year questions
Analyze mistakes carefully

Conclusion

Subject and Predicate form the foundation of English grammar. A strong grasp of this topic ensures accuracy in sentence construction and boosts confidence in competitive exams. Once this concept is mastered, advanced topics like Tenses, Voice, Narration, Sentence Structure, and Error Detection become significantly easier.

Consistent practice and conceptual clarity are the keys to success.

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