Subject and predicate: 10 tips for getting a perfect score on questions

If you've ever come across questions about subject and predicate and felt a little uncomfortable, know that you're not alone. Many students face challenges when dealing with these fundamental grammar concepts.

However, understanding basic sentence structure is crucial to building a solid foundation in the Portuguese language.

In this article, we will explore 10 practical and accessible tips that will help you master subject and predicate and, consequently, improve your performance in related questions.

When we talk about subject and predicate, we are referring to the two fundamental elements that make up a sentence in the Portuguese language. Let's unravel these concepts in a simple and accessible way.

Subject: The Protagonist of the Sentence

The subject is the term about which a statement is made, it is the protagonist of the sentence, the one who is being spoken about. It can be simple, compound, hidden or undetermined.

1. Simple Subject: Formed by only one nucleus, usually a noun or pronoun. Example: “The sun shines.”
2. Compound Subject: Formed by more than one nucleus, which can be two or more nouns or pronouns. Example: “Maria and João study together.”
3. Hidden (or elliptical) subject: The subject is not explicitly mentioned in the sentence, but can be identified by the context. Example: “It rained all night.”
4. Indeterminate Subject: When you don't want to or can't identify who performs the action. This usually occurs with verbs in the third person singular. Example: “They say it's going to rain.”

Predicate: The Action or State of the Subject

The predicate, in turn, is the term that contains the action, state or situation related to the subject. It can be simple, compound, verb-nominal, direct transitive verb, among others.

1. Simple Predicate: Formed by just one verb. Example: “She sings.”
2. Compound Predicate: Formed by more than one verb. Example: “She sings and dances.”
3. Verb-Nominal: In addition to the verb, it presents a predicate of the subject, which expresses a quality or characteristic of the subject. Example: “The sky was starry.”
4. Direct Transitive Verb: It needs a direct object to complete its meaning. Example: “I read the book.”

In short, the subject is who or what performs the action or about whom a statement is made in the sentence, while the predicate is the action, state or situation related to the subject.

10 essential tips for acing questions

Mastering these concepts is essential for a solid understanding of grammar and success in language matters.

1. Simple and Efficient Identification

When you come across a sentence, start your analysis by looking for the subject and predicate in a simple and efficient way.

Avoid the temptation to complicate the identification with overly detailed analysis. Stay focused on the essential parts of the sentence.

2. Know the Varieties of Subject

Understanding that the subject can be simple, compound, hidden or indeterminate is crucial. Be able to identify each of these variations, recognizing the clues that indicate their presence in the sentence structure. Remember, constant practice improves this skill.

3. Uncover Predicate Forms

Just like the subject, the predicate also has different forms, such as the nominal verb and the direct transitive verb.

Familiarize yourself with these variations to understand the function of each term within the sentence. This knowledge is essential for solving more complex questions.

4. Pay Attention to Agreement

When identifying the subject, pay attention to verbal and nominal agreement. Errors in this aspect are common and can compromise the structure of the sentence. Practice agreement, ensuring that the subject and verb are harmonized correctly.

5. Use Practical Examples

Practice is the key to success. Use practical examples in your study, creating sentences that involve different types of subjects and predicates.

The more you expose yourself to different situations, the easier it will be to identify these elements in assessments.

6. Beware of Sentences Without a Subject

The subject is not always explicit in the sentence, especially in sentences without a subject. Pay attention to structures such as “There are many students in the room” and understand that the subject is implicit in the expression “many students”.

7. Analyze Compound Sentences

Develop the ability to analyze compound sentences, identifying the subjects and predicates of each sentence. This is essential for dealing with more complex constructions, increasing your chances of getting questions involving this type of structure right.

8. Don't Overlook the Details

Often, the difference between getting a question right or wrong lies in the details. Pay attention to words that may indicate the presence of the subject or predicate. A thorough analysis can make all the difference.

9. Do Constant Reviews

Constant review is essential to consolidate knowledge. Set aside specific times to review the rules of subject and predicate, consolidating learning and avoiding possible confusion.

10. Rely on Visual Resources

Visual resources, such as diagrams and diagrams, can be powerful allies in understanding subject and predicate. Use them to create visual representations that reinforce concepts, facilitating the assimilation of content.

Conclusion

Mastering subject and predicate is more than a grammatical skill; it is a crucial step towards effective communication and success in exams.

By following these 10 practical tips, you will be better prepared to face questions involving these elements of the Portuguese language. Remember, constant practice and a focused approach are key to success in this linguistic challenge.

Improve your grammar skills right now! Take a few minutes a day to practice identifying subjects and predicates using the tips provided in this article. Also check out: Vim or vir? What is the correct way to use the verb?

Be persistent, and soon you will be acing questions with confidence. Grammar knowledge is a valuable tool, invest in it to reap the rewards in your educational journey.