Positioning the Subject and the Verb

University of the Sacred Heart

Department of Humanities

Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines

LAD

Objectives

To describe different types of sentences

To help the student place subjects and

verbs in the correct position

The Anatomy of a Sentence A sentence is a group of words

containing a subject and a predicate

The subject tells who or what the sentence is about

The predicate tells what the subject is or does

Kinds of Sentences

Depending on the type of sentence, the

subject and the verb are placed in

different positions.

Take a look at the examples that follow.

Declarative Sentences

A declarative sentence makes a statement. It tells about

something

The subject in declarative sentences is placed before the verb

Declarative Sentences

Bob

Jane

Jack

Subject

Verb

was a student.

will go to the theater.

has a blue car.

Interrogative Sentences

An interrogative sentence asks a

question

The subject in interrogative sentences is

placed after the verb, or between the

helping verb and the main verb

Interrogative Sentences

Are

When

WillSubject

Verb

you a student?

Nancy come with us?

did she leave?

Imperative Sentences An imperative sentence gives a command

In imperative sentences the subject is omitted

The omitted subject of the sentence is always “you”

Study now!

Imperative Sentences

Study now!

Go faster!

come inside.

Verb

Jack,

Exclamatory Sentences

Exclamatory sentences express strong emotions

I can’t wait for the weekend!

An exclamatory sentence can also be an imperative sentence

Watch out!

Exclamatory Sentences

How beautiful it is!

that is excellent!

It is wonderful!

Jane,

Subject

Verb

Adjective

Let’s Practice

Change the example to a declarative,imperative, and exclamatory sentence.

Example: Are you coming home tonight? (Question)

Answers:

Declarative: You are coming home tonight.

Imperative: Come home tonight.

Exclamation: It’s great you are coming home tonight!

For More Information Index English Grammar and Composition

http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index2.htm Tons of Fun with Grammar

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/flin/103_handouts/

sentences_and_phrases.htm Grammar Book Table of Contents

http://www.grammarbook.com/exercises/grammar/

cnt_gram.html

Center for Language Development Across the DisciplinesPrepared by: Thalia N. Nazario-Santiago

Coordinator for the Center for Languages and Culture April-June 2003

Revised by: Patricia KiddRevised by: Prof. Delia Serrano

January 2005