How to Read Long English Sentences: Subject + Predicate (Part 2) with Quiz
How to Read Long English Sentences: Subject + Predicate (Part 2) with Quiz
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Learn how to read long English sentences by focusing on subject and predicate. This guide explains why verbs are key, offers practical examples, and includes a quiz to practice your English reading skills.
Subject + Predicate: A Quick Review
In our previous post on April 26, we introduced the idea that every English sentence is made up of two essential parts: the subject and the predicate. This simple rule applies no matter how short or long the sentence may be.
Today, we’ll go one step further by looking at longer English sentences and learning how to break them down. The key point? Always identify the verb.
Why Do Long Sentences Feel Difficult?
Many learners feel overwhelmed by long English sentences. But the real reason is simple:
- The subject may include extra descriptive phrases.
- Sometimes, there’s more than one verb.
This makes it tricky to know where to “cut” the sentence. The solution? Separate the sentence into (1) the subject part and (2) the predicate (the verb and what follows).
From Short to Long: Examples
Even when sentences get longer, they still follow the subject + predicate structure:
- Some people + don’t know how to use computers.
- Some people growing up in rural areas + don’t know how to use computers.
- Some people growing up in rural areas + don’t know how to use computers because they don’t really feel the need to use them.
Notice how each sentence communicates the same idea, but becomes more detailed. The third sentence may look complicated, but it’s still divided into just two parts. Everything after because is just extra explanation.
Quiz: Can You Divide These Sentences?
Using the “+” method, try to split the following sentences into subject and predicate. Don’t use a dictionary—just focus on finding the verb.
- Some businesses still require masks at work.
- In the New York Times, the journalist gives the detailed description of the latest war issue in Ukraine.
- The 80% of public school teachers want to return to in-person education.
- An actress who was the main character in the movie recently passed away as a result of COVID-19.
- There are a few apples in the plate I ate yesterday. (Trick question!)
Answers will be posted later—concentrate only on dividing into two parts for now!
Why Verbs Are Key in Reading English
English is a language of action. That’s why verbs are the most important element in any sentence. Instead of memorizing complicated grammar terms like present perfect progressive, start by training your eyes to spot the verb first.
Once you find the verb, the sentence becomes much easier to understand.
Recommended Resource
One excellent book for learners is Complete English Grammar Rules. It’s concise, avoids unnecessary explanations, and includes useful practice quizzes. If possible, buy the paperback or hardcover edition—it’s easier to use as a reference and you can write directly in it.
Conclusion
- Every English sentence can be divided into subject + predicate.
- Long sentences may look complicated, but they’re just short sentences with extra explanations.
- Focus on finding the verb first—it’s the key to understanding English long reading passages.
Next time, we’ll upload more verb variations in the PARTS section, so stay tuned!
