Grammar Terms and Definitions

Front

Simple subject

Back

The 'who' or 'what' of the verb; the noun/pronoun the sentence is about.

Front

Complete subject

Back

Simple subject + all the modifiers.

Front

Simple predicate/verb

Back

What is happening in the sentence.

Front

Transitive verb

Back

A verb with a direct object.

Front

Intransitive verb

Back

A verb without a direct object; can have a predicate adjective or predicate nominative.

Front

Complete predicate

Back

The verb + all its modifiers.

Front

Complements

Back

Words/phrases/clauses that complete the meaning of the sentence; direct objects, indirect objects, predicate adjectives, predicate nominatives.

Front

Direct object

Back

Follows an action verb and is noun/pronoun receiving the action; ask 'Verb + who?' or 'Verb + what?'.

Front

Predicate nominative

Back

Noun/pronoun following a linking verb and renaming the subject.

Front

Predicate adjective

Back

Adjective following a linking verb and describing the subject.