The subject of a sentence designates the person, place, or thing that is spoken of; the predicate is that which is said of the subject.
Thus, in the first example in [§ 1], the subject is fire and the predicate is burns. In the third, the subject is rain; the predicate, is falling. In the last, the subject is a man who respects himself; the predicate, should never condescend to use slovenly language.
Either the subject or the predicate may consist of a single word or of a number of words. But neither the subject by itself nor the predicate by itself, however extended, is a sentence. The mere mention of a thing (fire) does not express a complete thought. Neither does a mere assertion (burns), if we neglect to mention the person or thing about which the assertion is made. Thus it appears that both a subject and a predicate are necessary to make a sentence.
3. Sentences may be declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory.
1. A declarative sentence declares or asserts something as a fact.
- Dickens wrote “David Copperfield.”
- The army approached the city.
2. An interrogative sentence asks a question.
- Who is that officer?
- Does Arthur Moore live here?
3. An imperative sentence expresses a command or a request.
- Open the window.
- Pronounce the vowels more distinctly.