Every complete sentence in English is built upon two essential components: the subject and the predicate. While the subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, the predicate reveals what the subject is doing or what is being said about the subject. Understanding the role of the predicate is key to mastering English grammar, forming clearer sentences, and improving communication. The predicate of a sentence is not merely a technical grammar element it’s a fundamental piece that drives meaning and expression. Without a predicate, a sentence would be incomplete, lacking the essential information that tells us what is happening.
What Is the Predicate of a Sentence?
The predicate of a sentence is the part that contains the verb and tells something about the subject. It usually includes the action or state of being and may also include modifiers, objects, or complements. For example, in the sentence ‘She runs every morning,’ the subject is ‘She,’ and the predicate is ‘runs every morning.’
Basic Structure of a Predicate
A predicate typically starts with the main verb and may be followed by:
- Direct objects (what or whom the action affects)
- Indirect objects (to whom or for whom the action is done)
- Adverbial phrases (that describe when, where, why, or how)
- Subject complements (that describe or rename the subject)
Here are a few examples:
- Heate the sandwich quickly.
- Mariais a brilliant artist.
- Theyhave been studying all night.
Types of Predicates
Simple Predicate
The simple predicate refers to just the main verb or verb phrase in the sentence. It does not include any objects or modifiers. For example:
- The dogbarked.
- Shesang.
Complete Predicate
The complete predicate includes the verb and all words related to it. This may involve objects, modifiers, and complements. For instance:
- The dogbarked at the mailman loudly.
- Shesang a beautiful song during the concert.
Compound Predicate
A compound predicate contains two or more verbs that share the same subject and are usually joined by a conjunction like ‘and’ or ‘or.’ Examples include:
- Heranandjumped.
- Theycooked dinnerandwatched a movie.
Why the Predicate Is Important
The predicate is essential because it gives action, context, and meaning to the sentence. Without it, the subject would be static. Consider these two parts:
- Subject only: ‘The cat’
- With predicate: ‘The catslept on the sofa.’
In the second sentence, the predicate completes the idea and provides information about what the cat did. The predicate gives life to the sentence by describing the action or state of the subject.
How to Identify the Predicate
To identify the predicate in a sentence, first find the subject, then locate the verb. The verb and everything attached to it (such as objects or modifiers) form the predicate.
Example:
- Sentence: ‘John plays guitar in a band.’
- Subject: ‘John’
- Predicate: ‘plays guitar in a band’
Predicate and Sentence Types
Declarative Sentences
These state facts or opinions. The predicate provides the action or description:
- The babycried all night.
- Sheis an excellent speaker.
Interrogative Sentences
In questions, the predicate is often split, especially when auxiliary verbs are used:
- Did hefinish the report?
- Where does shelive?
Imperative Sentences
These give commands. The subject (‘you’) is often implied:
- Close the window.
- Take your time.
Exclamatory Sentences
These express strong feelings and the predicate reveals what excites or surprises the speaker:
- What a beautiful house youhave built!
Common Predicate Errors to Avoid
Fragmented Sentences
A sentence without a predicate is a fragment. It may feel incomplete and confuse the reader. Example of a fragment:
- ‘The children playing in the yard.’ (Missing verb)
Correction: ‘The childrenwere playingin the yard.’
Run-on Sentences
Sometimes, multiple predicates are placed together without proper punctuation or conjunctions:
- ‘He ran he jumped he fell.’
Correction: ‘He ran, jumped, and fell.’
Predicate Complements and Modifiers
Subject Complements
These follow linking verbs and provide additional information about the subject. They can be nouns or adjectives:
- Heis a doctor. (‘a doctor’ complements the subject ‘He’)
- The flowerssmell lovely. (‘lovely’ describes the flowers)
Adverbial Modifiers
Modifiers in a predicate give extra detail about the action, such as time, place, or manner:
- Shespoke softly in the room.
- Theyarrived late due to traffic.
Teaching and Learning About Predicates
Understanding predicates helps learners form complete and grammatically correct sentences. Teachers often use sentence diagramming, verb identification exercises, and practice worksheets to reinforce this concept. Learning to identify the predicate improves both writing and reading comprehension skills.
Examples of Predicates in Literature
Well-written sentences in literature provide excellent models of strong predicates:
- ‘The sunset behind the mountains, painting the sky orange.’
- ‘Hewalked slowly, thinking about the future.’
In these examples, the predicate offers vivid imagery and enhances the emotional tone of the sentence.
The predicate of a sentence is the part that breathes life into the subject. It informs the reader or listener about what the subject is doing, feeling, or being. By mastering the use of simple, complete, and compound predicates, one can form richer, more meaningful sentences. Whether you are writing academic papers, emails, stories, or casual messages, understanding the structure of predicates allows you to communicate your thoughts more clearly and effectively.