Subjects and predicates

A1 Eiken 3 Beginner

subject + predicate

Explanation

An English sentence usually has a subject and a predicate. The subject is who or what the sentence is about; the predicate says something about that subject, usually with a verb. Japanese often leaves the subject out when it is clear, but English usually needs it, so put the subject first and then the predicate.

Examples

  • I am tired. 私は疲れています。
  • My mother is a doctor. 母は医者です。
  • She likes music. 彼女は音楽が好きです。
  • Are you ready? 準備はできましたか。
  • We are not late. 私たちは遅れていません。
  • My friend has got a cat. 私の友だちは猫を飼っています。

Common Mistakes

Japanese learners often drop the subject: "Like coffee." -> "I like coffee." In Japanese, the subject can be understood from context, but English usually needs an explicit subject.

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