Subject and Predicate

6 important questions on Subject and Predicate

What are the main components of a canonical clause?

A canonical clause consists of:
  • Subject: Typically realized by a noun phrase or a subordinate clause.
  • Predicate: Realized by a verb phrase.
  • Example: "One of his friends | called a doctor."

What semantic roles are typically associated with the Subject in canonical clauses?

Semantic roles related to the Subject include:
  1. Actor/agent: In action-related clauses.
  2. Experiencer: In sensory experience clauses.
  3. Role depends on clause meaning and verb significance.

How can you identify the Subject in a clause?

Identification of the Subject can be based on distinctive grammatical properties:
  1. Position: Typically before the Predicate.
  2. Interrogative formation: Subject often inverted with auxiliary.
  3. Interrogative tags: Added for confirmation.
  4. Subject-verb agreement: Verb agrees with Subject's person-number.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

What are the steps to form interrogatives from declarative clauses?

To convert a declarative into an interrogative:
  1. Invert the Subject with the first auxiliary.
  2. If no auxiliary, insert appropriate form of DO.
  3. The Subject follows the auxiliary.

What role do interrogative tags play in relation to the Subject?

Interrogative tags are used to confirm statements:
  • Composed of auxiliary verb and personal pronoun Subject.
  • Relates back to the original Subject of the clause.

What is the default position of the Subject in a canonical clause?

The typical position of the Subject is:
  • Before the Predicate.
  • This position can change only under special circumstances.
  • Example: "The boss is in her office."

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo