English · The Sentence · U1-L3

Simple Subjects and Simple Predicates

The homework half of the lesson. Circle the one word that runs each half, then strip a sentence down to two.

Name Date

Part A — One word / 6

Circle the single word the question asks for. Describing words are never the answer, however close to the verb they sit.

1.
Thetallantennabehindtheofficeswaysinthewind.
simple subject
2.
Astudentpilotinthefirstplanetaxistowardthenumbers.
simple predicate
3.
Thegreenfueldrumbesidetheshedleaksalittle.
simple subject
4.
Twovisitorsnearthegatephotographtheyellowbiplane.
simple predicate
5.
Afoldingchairunderthewingholdssomebody'scoffee.
simple subject
6.
Themechanic'sdaughtercountstheplanesontheramp.
simple predicate

Part B — Down to two words / 5

Write the simple subject and the simple predicate for each sentence. Then read those two words on their own and check that they still make sense together.

1.
The oldest plane on the field starts on the second try.
Simple subject
Simple predicate
2.
A row of orange cones marks the edge of the apron.
Simple subject
Simple predicate
3.
The chief mechanic's radio crackles all morning.
Simple subject
Simple predicate
4.
Two dogs behind the fuel shed bark at every engine.
Simple subject
Simple predicate
5.
A thin line of cloud hides the far end of the runway.
Simple subject
Simple predicate

Part C — Write your own / 2

Write a sentence of your own on the first line, then write its two words underneath.

1.
A sentence about anything you like
Its two words
2.
A longer sentence, with a phrase in the middle
Its two words

Total / 13

Graded by

Notes

Answer key

Part A — the word that should be circled.

antenna
taxis
drum
photograph
chair
counts

Part B — subject, then predicate.

plane · starts
row · marks
radio · crackles
dogs · bark
line · hides

Part C — answers vary. The simple subject should be one noun or pronoun, never a describing word beside it, and the simple predicate should be the verb. If the two words he writes do not make sense read on their own, he has picked out of the describing phrase.