Predicate Sentence Parts Grammar Lesson: examples, tests, audio

A predicate is a word or group of words that indicates what a subject is or does. In a sentence, the predicate usually comes after the subject and includes a verb.

Types of predicates: 

simple predicates and complete predicates. 

A simple predicate is the verb or verb phrase in a sentence that tells what the subject does or is. 

A complete predicate includes the verb or verb phrase, as well as any modifiers or objects that go with it.

Examples of simple predicates:

• The cat slept. (verb: slept)
• She sings beautifully. (verb phrase: sings beautifully)

Examples of complete predicates:

• The cat slept on the couch all day. (verb phrase: slept on the couch all day)
• She sings beautifully in the shower. (verb phrase: sings beautifully in the shower)

 

Practical uses for simple predicates include identifying the main verb in a sentence or clause, and determining the tense of the verb.

Examples:

• I am going to the store. (simple predicate: am going; present tense)
• She was singing a song. (simple predicate: was singing; past tense)

 

Special cases to consider with simple predicates. 

For example, when a verb is part of a verb phrase, the verb phrase is the simple predicate, not just the individual verb. In addition, some verbs can be linking verbs, which do not express action but instead link the subject to a subject complement. In these cases, the linking verb is the simple predicate.

Examples:

• The pie smells delicious. (simple predicate: smells; linking verb)
• The flowers seem to be wilting. (simple predicate: seem to be wilting; verb phrase with linking verb "seem")

 

Comprehension exercises  Sentence Parts Predicate  :

 

1. Identify the simple predicate in the following sentence: "The cat chased the mouse around the room."

 

Simple predicate: chased

2. Identify the simple predicate in the following sentence: "She was singing a song when I walked in."

 

Simple predicate: was singing

3. In the following sentence, "The cake tastes sweet and moist," what is the simple predicate?

 

Simple predicate: tastes

4. Complete the following sentence with the appropriate simple predicate: "I _______ to the store."

 

I went to the store.

 

5. Choose the correct simple predicate to complete the following sentence: "The flowers _______ to be wilting."

 

The flowers seem to be wilting.