Understanding the structure of a sentence is essential for mastering English grammar. Every complete sentence must have two main parts the subject and the predicate. While most people are familiar with the subject the person or thing the sentence is about the predicate can sometimes be less clearly understood. Knowing what a predicate is, how it functions in a sentence, and the types of predicates that exist will help anyone improve their writing and speaking skills. It will also make it easier to analyze sentence construction and grammar rules in English effectively.
What Is a Predicate in English?
The Basic Definition
In English grammar, thepredicateis the part of a sentence or clause that tells what the subject does or is. It includes the verb and all the words related to it, such as objects, complements, and modifiers.
For example, in the sentence
- She writes every day.
Writes every day is the predicate. It tells us what the subject She is doing.
Predicate as the Action or Description
The predicate always contains themain verbof the sentence. Depending on the sentence structure, it may also contain additional information that completes the idea. This can include direct objects, indirect objects, or adverbs.
Examples
- They play soccer on weekends.– The predicate is play soccer on weekends.
- The cake smells delicious.– The predicate is smells delicious.
Parts of the Predicate
1. Verb (Main Component)
Every predicate includes at least one verb. This can be an action verb (run, write, cook) or a linking verb (is, are, seem).
Examples
- Tom runs.– Runs is the predicate.
- Mary is happy.– Is happy is the predicate.
2. Objects and Complements
The predicate may include adirect objectthe thing being acted upon or anindirect objectthe person receiving the action. It may also include acomplement, which gives more information about the subject or object.
Examples
- He gave her a gift.– Gave her a gift is the predicate.
- The teacher seemed tired.– Seemed tired is the predicate.
3. Modifiers
Modifiers add detail to the verb. They include adverbs, adverbial phrases, and prepositional phrases.
Examples
- She sings beautifully.– Sings beautifully is the predicate.
- They arrived at midnight.– Arrived at midnight is the predicate.
Types of Predicates
Simple Predicate
The simple predicate is just the main verb or verb phrase that tells what the subject does.
Examples
- Birds fly.– Fly is the simple predicate.
- The students studied.– Studied is the simple predicate.
Complete Predicate
The complete predicate includes the verb and all the words that relate to it. This gives the full meaning of the action or state described by the verb.
Examples
- The dog barked loudly all night.– Barked loudly all night is the complete predicate.
- My brother plays video games after dinner.– Plays video games after dinner is the complete predicate.
Compound Predicate
A compound predicate contains two or more verbs that share the same subject. These verbs are joined by a conjunction such as and or or.
Examples
- She washed the dishes and cleaned the floor.
- They will study or take a break.
Importance of the Predicate in Sentence Construction
Provides Essential Meaning
Without a predicate, a sentence is incomplete. The predicate is what gives action, description, or meaning to the subject. It answers the question, What does the subject do? or What is the subject?
Ensures Sentence Completeness
All complete sentences in English must have both a subject and a predicate. This is the minimum requirement for a sentence to convey a complete thought.
Example of an incomplete sentence
- The children– This is only a subject. The sentence lacks a predicate.
Complete version
- The children are playing outside.
Helps in Identifying Sentence Errors
Understanding what a predicate is makes it easier to identify sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and other grammatical mistakes. Many sentence-level errors are the result of missing or improperly formed predicates.
How to Identify the Predicate in a Sentence
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1Identify the subject of the sentence – who or what the sentence is about.
- Step 2Look for the verb – what action is being performed or what state is being described.
- Step 3Include all words that are connected to the verb – objects, complements, and modifiers.
Example
John and Lisa went to the beach early in the morning.
- Subject John and Lisa
- Predicate went to the beach early in the morning
Predicate vs. Subject The Key Difference
The Subject
The subject is the noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that tells us who or what the sentence is about.
The Predicate
The predicate tells us what the subject does or is. It provides the rest of the information that makes the sentence complete.
Example
The cat slept under the table.
- Subject The cat
- Predicate slept under the table
Practice Examples
Identify the Predicate
Try identifying the predicate in these sentences
- The birds chirped cheerfully.
- My cousin fixed the car yesterday.
- They have been waiting for an hour.
Answers
- Predicate chirped cheerfully
- Predicate fixed the car yesterday
- Predicate have been waiting for an hour
In English grammar, the predicate plays a crucial role in forming complete and meaningful sentences. It is the part of the sentence that describes what the subject does, experiences, or is. Whether simple or complex, the predicate is essential for conveying action or state in any clause. By learning to recognize and use predicates effectively, language learners can improve both their written and spoken English. Understanding the predicate also helps in mastering sentence structure, avoiding grammar mistakes, and building clear communication.