Simple Sentences
Clarifiying Common Confusions

Identifying Prepositional Phrases, Verbs, and Subjects

Introductory Video with Examples

Take a few moments to watch this video on how to avoid common confusions with simple sentences.

Access the file here if you would like to follow along with the video or print it to take notes.

Steps to Identify Grammatical Features of Simple Sentences

1. Identify and ignore all prepositional phrases

Example: One (of the students) was usually helping others (before class.)

2. Find the verbs.

Look for action verbs, linking verbs and helping verbs. (Verbs are marked in italics.)
Example: One (of the students) was usually helping others (before class.)

3. Identify the subject. Who + verb? What + verb? (Subjects are underlined.

Example: One (of the students) was usually helping others (before class.)

Prepositional Phrases

Always begin with a preposition

Always end with a noun or pronoun
Never include the subject or verb of a sentence
To find prepositions; ask "Preposition + what? or Preposition + Who?"

Examples:

I am learning (about Paloma Picasso.)
Jeremiah is running (in the competition.)

Infinitive Verbs

Infinitive verbs are in the form "to + verb"

Not a prepositional phrase
Not part of the verb of a sentence

Examples:

I love to read (in the park.)
I hope to camp (over the weekend.)

Words Ending in -ing

Do not act as a verb in a sentence unless they are used with a form of "to be" (am, is, are, was, were..)

Examples: (Verbs are in bold italics below, and subjects are underlined.)

Jackie loves reading (before class.)
Jackie was reading (before class.)
Reading is fun!
I do not like my reading homework.

Practice

First, read the following excerpt from the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010.

Many Americans do not eat the variety and amounts of foods that will provide needed nutrients while avoiding excess calorie intake. They should increase their intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, seafood, and oils. These food choices can help promote nutrient adequacy, keep calories in control, and reduce risks of chronic disesase. Consuming these foods is associated with a health benefit and/or with meeting nutrient needs. They should be emphasized to help Americans close nutrient gaps and move toward healthful eating patterns. They provide an array of nutrients, including those of public health concern: potassium, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin D. It is important that while increasing intake of these foods, Americans make choices that minimize intake of calories from solid fats and sugars, which provide few essential nutrients.

from Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. [Washington, D.C.]: U. S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, 2012. Print.

Next, complete the following practice.

Show/hide comprehension question...