Download Grammar: Locating Sentence Parts

Grammar: Locating Sentence Parts
Step #1: Find prepositional phrases (begins with a preposition, ends with a noun or a pronoun).
Preposition: fits into “The bird goes
the cloud.” (over, between, within, to, with, etc...+ of )
WASN’T ONE OF THOSE FOUR GIRLS IN THE BLUE SWEATERS WINKING AND SMILING AT YOU?
You can cross out prepositional phrases because they can’t be used as subjects, verbs, or objects.
 Watch out for infinitives (to + verb). They are not prepositional phrases and will act as a different part of speech.
I love to snowboard. (to + verb = infinitive as noun phrase: I love what?)
We’re gonna fight for our right to party. (to + verb = infinitive as adjective phrase: Which right do we fight for?)
We go to school to learn. (to + verb = infinitive as adverb phrase: Why do we go to school?)
Step #2: Find the predicate. (The simple predicate is the complete verb, including any modifiers).
Predicate: what the subject does.
Memorize the passive verbs (these are always verbs):
is
was
be
could
can
have
do
am
were
been
would
might, may
has
did
are
will, shall
become
should
must
had
ERIN WALKED CASUALLY TO SCHOOL AND READ A BOOK.
ERIN IS RADICAL.
 Watch out for other verbals. They act as a different part of speech.
Loaning money can be risky business. (gerunds act as noun: What is risky business?)
The girl eating ice cream is my sister. (participles act as adjectives: Which girl is my sister?)
Step #3: Find the subject—always a noun (person, place, thing or idea) or a pronoun (takes the place of a noun).
Who or what is doing the action (verb)?
SAMMY TALKED TO REID ON THE PHONE.
(Who talked?)
Step #4: Look for direct objects or subject complements.
Direct object: receives the action of the verb. Answers the question, “ (verb)
ROBBIE WANTS A BIKE.
what?” Usually follows an action verb.
(What does Robbie want?)
Subject complement: renames or describes the subject. Usually follows a passive verb.
ROBBIE IS CLEVER.
(Clever describes Robbie.)
Step #5: Look for indirect objects—always a noun or a pronoun.
Indirect object: receives the direct object. They go with verbs such as:
offer
bring
tell
lend
write
show
get
pay
send
give
ask
teach
You can only have an indirect object when you have a direct object. Test by moving it to the end and adding “to” or “for.”
ROXANNE MAILED
( EACH MEMBER ) A COPY.
(Roxanne mailed a copy to each member.)