Post date: Nov 4, 2011 3:29:14 PM
Steps to finding the subjects and predicates of sentences (note this does not work for questions and students must be comfortable with the basics before including more complex sentences)
Step 1: Find the main verb. You have now identified the simple predicate
Step 2: Draw a line in front of the verb. All words to the left of the line are the complete subject and all words to the right are the complete predicate
Step 3: Ask who or what from the complete subject is performing the verb and you have the simple subject
Example: The cat ate his hat
Step 1: ate = simple predicate
Step 2: The cat / ate his hat
Complete subject = The cat
Complete predicate = ate his hat
Step 3: Who or what ate his hat?
Simple subject = cat