Finite verbs, subject & predicator

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Finite verbs, subject & predicator

Lesson aims

At the end of this lesson you can:
- Identify finite verbs in any given sentence
- Identify subject & predicator in any given sentence

Finite verbs

- Shows tense

- Change tense = find verb

Examples

 I study English. - I studied English.
 He eats breakfast. - He ate breakfast.
 They run for fun. - They ran for fun.

Imperative mood

The imperative mood is also considered finite.
Sit down.
Eat up.
 Go ahead. 

What is a yeti? Himalayan people say there are two sorts of yeti. Both are big — about two metres high — and both can walk on two legs. One (the smaller yeti) eats humans !!! But the larger yeti prefers yaks (similar to big black hairy cows). The yeti doesn’t live in the snow, but in the thick Himalayan forest. It goes to snowy regions to eat a plant which contains salt.
That is the legend. It is easy to say that the yeti is no more than a legend. However, people have discovered other evidence.

1. 8
2. 14
3. 10
4. 16

Answer

What is a yeti? Himalayan people say there are two sorts of yeti. Both are big — about two metres high — and both can walk on two legs. One (the smaller yeti) eats humans !!! But the larger yeti prefers yaks (similar to big black hairy cows). The yeti doesn’t live in the snow, but in the thick Himalayan forest. It goes to snowy regions to eat a plant which contains salt.

    That is the legend. It is easy to say that the yeti is no more than a legend. However, people have discovered other evidence.

Subject

The subject is someone or something that performs or undergoes an action.
Sometimes the subject does not perform or undergo an action.

Example

They run. (performs the action)

The student was removed from the classroom. (undergoes the action)

Where is the supermarket? (no action) 

How to find the subject

Ask the question about the action.
Who is running? - They

Is he running? - The subject comes after the verb

Provisional subject

The provisional subject introduces the subject that comes after the verb(s).

“There are some beautiful songs on this album.”
 The word “there” introduces the subject “some beautiful songs” that comes after the verb “are”. 

Formal subject

The word “it” can be used as a subject. The word "it" does not mean anything nor refer to anthing. “It” is used in sentences referring to
time, the weather, distance and situations. 

Find the subjects in the following text

I don't need to take an umbrella with me. It isn't too bad outside anyways. I can wear a coat if you really want me "safe" from the rain. Dad always goes outside without a coat and he doesn't get sick either.

Answer

I don't need to take an umbrella with me. It isn't too bad outside anyways. I can wear a coat if you really want me "safe" from the rain. Dad always goes outside without a coat and he doesn't get sick either.

Predicator

Verb phrase with the predicate
"John went home." = sentence
"went home" = predicate
"went" = Predicator

Find the predicator

1. He really doesn't like vegetables apparently.
2. No, the road does lead to a dead end.
3. Perhaps we should turn around instead.

Answer

1. He really doesn't like vegetables apparently.

2. No, the road does lead to a dead end.

3. Perhaps we should turn around instead.