You have already learned about simple subjects and simple predicates. Let us recall the same.

A simple subject is a noun or a pronoun that tells whom or what the sentence is about. It can be singular or plural.

A simple predicate tells something about the subject. It can be an action or a linking verb.

The verb must always agree with the subject in number.

Read these sentences. Take note of the words in blue and green.

• The mother brings out the family pictures.

• The daughters help her with the work.

The words in blue, mother and daughters, are the subjects of the sentences.

The simple subject in the first sentence is the noun mother. It is singular because it names only one person.

The simple subject daughters in the second sentence is plural. It names more than one person.

The words in green, brings and help, are the verbs of the sentences.

In the first sentence, -s was added to the verb bring as it expresses the action of the singular subject, mother.

A singular subject requires a singular verb. When a verb is used with a singular subject, -s or -es is added to the base form of the verb, except when the subject is I or you.

In the second sentence, the base form of the verb help was used to express the action of the plural subject, daughters.

A plural subject requires a plural verb. The base form of the verb is used with a plural subject or the pronouns I and you.