Difference between subject and predicate
El sujeto and predicate They are two fundamental elements that constitute a sentence. Understanding the distinction between the two is essential to constructing grammatically correct sentences and communicating ideas effectively. In this article, we will explore in detail the defining characteristics of the subject and the predicate, as well as the key differences between them.
What is the subject?
The subject is the part of the sentence that indicates who or what is being talked about. It can be represented by a word or group of words, and generally agrees in number and person with the main verb of the sentence. The subject can be:
- explicit subject: When it appears clearly in the sentence. For example: "The students carried out a scientific experiment."
- Tacit subject: When it is not present in the sentence but it is understood. For example: "I was running quickly to catch up with the bus."
What is the predicate?
The predicate is the part of the sentence that expresses what is said about the sujeto. Contains the main verb and provides additional information about the action, state or characteristics of the subject. The predicate may include:
- Verbs: They indicate the action or state of the subject.
- Accessories: They can be direct objects, indirect objects, circumstantial complements, among others.
For example, in the sentence "Mary bought an interesting book yesterday", the predicate is "she bought an interesting book yesterday", where "bought" is the main verb and "an interesting book" and "yesterday" are complements. .
Differences between subject and predicate
| Subject | Predicate |
|---|---|
| Indicate who or what is being talked about | Expresses what is said about the subject |
| It can be explicit or tacit | Always present in prayer |
| Agrees in number and person with the main verb | Contains the main verb and complements |
Identify the subject and predicate in a sentence
To identify the subject and predicate in a sentence, follow these followed:
- Find the main verb of prayer. The verb expresses the action or state of the subject.
- Ask "who?" or what?" before the verb. The answer to this question will be the subject of the sentence.
- El rest of the sentence which is not the subject constitutes the predicate.
For example, in the sentence “The dog plays with the ball in the park,” “plays” is the main verb. If we ask "who plays?", the answer is "the dog", which is the subject. The rest of the sentence, "with the ball in the park," forms the predicate.
Understanding the difference between subject and predicate is essential to construct correct sentences and express ideas in a clear and coherent manner. By identifying these elements in a sentence, you will be able to improve your drafting y communication effective. Practice identifying the subject and the predicate in different sentences to strengthen your knowledge and apply it in your daily use of the language.