Tag: Sentence

Grammatical Wednesdays: What Is a Subject Noun?

NounsWhat the heck is a subject noun?  In all my days of learning how to write I have never heard of a “subject noun.”  Hum . . . I guess I better start searching for the answer to my question.

Well, I finally found a definition that was easy to understand.  According to WiseGeek.com:

A subject noun is the subject of a sentence and usually, but not always, comes before the main verb in a sentence. The subject performs the action described by the verb and can be identified in a sentence by the answer to the question “who did it?” or “what did it?” A noun is a name word used for a person, thing, animal, or something abstract and these nouns can function in a sentence as a subject, a subject or object complement, direct or indirect object, an adjective, adverb or appositive.

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Vocabulary Mondays – eulogize

Artist: Artis Harrison
Artist: Artis Harrison

Word:  eulogize

Part of Speech:  verb

Meaning:  to praise highly, especially the dead

Word Usage:  John EULOGIZED his grandmother at her funeral.   (GRE Vocabulary Flashcards)

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Grammatical Wednesdays – Subject vs. Noun

Nouns

Last week I discussed the eight parts of speech.   As I noted last week “parts of speech defines how words are being used.”

This week I will like to discuss subjects that are also known as nouns.  Nouns can be a person, animal, place, thing, or abstract idea.  Stop!  Wait!  Explain!  What is an abstract idea?

An abstract idea is an idea that can be interpreted in many different ways. Some examples include:Betrayal, Charity, Courage, Cowardice, Cruelty, Forgiveness, Truth, Love, Anger, Fear, Grief, Happiness, Jealously, Sympathy, Insanity, Knowledge, Wisdom, Right/Wrong, Duty, Fame, Justice, Liberty, Friendship, Greed, Innocence, Rules, Social Norm, and Religion.Usually these abstract terms are difficult to define alone, but easier when in context. For example: What is Right? vs. What is the right answer to this math equation?

For most people it will be easier to answer the second question, because it is in context.

Other words:

The question “What is Right?” is a proper question and “right” is abstract idea.  However it is hard to figure that ‘right’ is the abstract idea because of limited information.  Therefore, when the question is asked in the following way “What is the right answer to this math equation?” it gives more detail.  As a result it is becomes easier to find ‘right’ as a abstract idea, thus, making “right” a noun.

NOTE:  If you are an English guru and notice I have made an error in my interpretation please contact me with the correct answer.

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Grammatical Wednesdays – Eight Parts of Speech

Several weeks ago I wrote about a sentence requires a subject and a predicate.  A week after that I also noted  “a sentence must have a verb but the verb can also be a predicate.”  However, today I want to briefly list the eight parts of speech:  the verb, the noun, the pronoun, the adjective, the adverb, the preposition, the conjunction, and the interjection.

Parts of speech defines how words are being used.  In my next post I will discuss how words can work as a noun in one sentence, and how that same word can be used as a verb or even an adjective in a different sentence structure.

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Grammatical Wednesdays – The Difference Between a Verb and a Predicate

Last week I wrote a blog-post stating a sentence requires a subject and a predicate.  However, this week I have learned a sentence must have a verb but the verb can also be a predicate.

The difference between a predicate and a verb is subtle, with a predicate relying on the use of a verb. In some sentences, a predicate and a verb can be the same word or, in the case of more complex sentences, you may use an additional verb to help describe a predicate. Knowing the difference between a predicate and a verb will help you formulate more complex sentences and identify common grammatical mistakes in your writing.

Read more: Difference Between a Predicate & a Verb | eHowhttp://www.ehow.com/info_8455026_difference-between-predicate-verb.html#ixzz2Ugx0HRNi

Whoa!  Laughter!  Do I have my work cut out for me.  Yikes!

The more I learn what formulates a sentence the more I’m learning I need to take my time in studying and blogging about grammar.   Thus, helping me to truly grasp the different parts of speech before I share information learned.

I don’t know about you but, it excites me to finally begin learning how to write and speak proper English.

Vocabulary Mondays – lambaste

Artist: Artis Harrison
Artist: Artis Harrison

Word: lambaste

Part of Speech:  verb

Meaning:  to scold or criticize sharply; to beat

Word Usage:  The critics LAMBASTED the author’s newest novel, calling it boring and derivative.   (GRE Vocabulary Flashcards)