Subject, verb and object in statements

The idea

In a basic statement, put the subject first, then the verb, then its object: The chef opens the window. The object receives the action.

Examples

• The chef opens the window.
• My sister reads the letter.
• The dog carries a stick.
• We plant flowers in the garden.
• The children paint a boat.
• Our neighbour makes bread.

Watch out

Reversing the subject and object changes who does the action; do not put the object before the verb in this basic pattern.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. ___ build nests. (birds / nests)

   Show answer or example answer

   birds

   birds is the subject; it comes before build.

2. Choose the correct option. The baker bakes ___. (a cake / the baker)

   Show answer or example answer

   a cake

   a cake receives the action, so it follows bakes.

3. Choose the correct option. Choose the sentence: The gardener waters the plants / The plants waters the gardener

   Show answer or example answer

   The gardener waters the plants

   The gardener waters the plants puts the doer before the action and its object after it.

Use it today

Write three statements about people doing things. Underline each subject, verb and object.