84 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 4 Grammar Skills What person, place, or thing does the sentence describe? The sentence gives information about Anne, who is the subject of the sentence. In the examples that follow, the subjects are shown in italics. Elena writes beautiful poems. They left the party before midnight. The school has nine classrooms. The dog has a white house in the backyard. When a sentence discusses more than one noun or pronoun, it has a compound subject. In the examples that follow, the compound subjects are shown in italics. Mario and Chin play video games after school. The cars and trucks were parked behind the building. In some sentences, the subject is not stated, but it is understood. This form is often used when speaking directly to a person. In the examples that follow, you is the understood subject of each sentence. Run home and tell your mother about the accident. Read all of the instructions before answering the questions on the test. Each subject in the earlier examples is called a simple subject. A simple subject is just the nouns or pronouns about which the sentence gives information. A complete subject is the simple subject and the words that describe it. In the examples that follow, the complete subjects are shown in italics. The fresh, hot bread has a wonderful smell. The payment for admission includes snacks. Predicates The simple predicate of a sentence includes only the verb or verbs that show action or state of being. In the examples that follow, the simple predicates are shown in italics. My brother cleaned his room. Julia and I will attend a concert at the park. Ms. Chung is the principal. A compound predicate contains two or more verbs joined by and or another conjunction. Both verbs describe action or state of being for the subject. In the examples that follow, the compound predicates are shown in italics. Mr. Romero rose to his feet and addressed the audience. The shipping clerk wrapped the package and mailed it. The complete predicate of a sentence includes the verb and other information that tells what the subject is or does. In the examples that follow, the complete predicates are shown in italics. Ms. Chung is the principal. My brother cleaned his room. Julia and I attended a concert at the park. Business Protocol Workspace Employees are expected to keep company workspaces clean and in order. When using a shared copier, do not leave paperclips or other supplies behind. If you take breaks or eat lunch in the common eating area, clean up dishes, utensils, and food packaging. Keep your personal space clean and free from clutter.