Every sentence has two main parts: the subject and the predicate.
While the subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, the predicate carries the weight of action, description, or meaning.
Yet, many writers overlook the predicate, resulting in weak, unclear, or incomplete sentences.
Understanding the predicate is the key to writing with clarity, precision, and impact.
This guide will break down everything about predicates, from simple to complex, including common mistakes, tips, and exercises to strengthen your writing.
The Core of Every Sentence: Subject vs. Predicate
Think of a sentence as a simple machine. The subject is the engine, and the predicate is the fuel that makes it move. Without a predicate, a subject stands alone, incomplete, and ineffective.
For example:
- The cat (subject) …
- slept on the warm windowsill (predicate).
Here, the predicate explains what the cat did. The combination of subject + predicate forms a complete thought.
Visual Breakdown:
| Part | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Who/what the sentence is about | The cat |
| Predicate | What the subject does or is | slept on the warm windowsill |
What Exactly Is a Predicate?
A predicate is the part of the sentence that tells what the subject does or what happens to the subject. It usually contains a verb, but it can also include modifiers, objects, or complements.
Function of a predicate:
- Describes an action or state of being
- Provides essential information about the subject
- Strengthens sentence clarity and flow
Example Sentences:
- “The sun shines brightly every morning.”
- “The students were excited about the field trip.”
Understanding predicates is crucial because without them, sentences lack meaning.
The Simple Predicate: The Heart of the Sentence
The simple predicate is the main verb or verb phrase of a sentence. It’s the core of the action or state described.
Examples:
- “She runs.”
- “The dog barked.”
- “They are studying.”
Even when modifiers are present, the simple predicate focuses only on the verb.
Tip: Spotting the simple predicate first helps you build strong sentences.
How to Identify the Simple Predicate
Follow these steps:
- Find the subject of the sentence.
- Ask: “What is the subject doing or being?”
- Identify the main verb(s).
Example:
- Sentence: “The chef is preparing a delicious meal.”
- Subject: “The chef”
- Simple Predicate: “is preparing”
Checklist for spotting the simple predicate:
- Look for action or state-of-being verbs
- Ignore adjectives, adverbs, and objects initially
- Include helping verbs if present (is, are, has, have, etc.)
Common Mistakes with Simple Predicates
Many writers make these errors:
- Overlooking helping verbs: “She studying hard” → Correct: “She is studying hard.”
- Confusing adverbs or objects with predicates: “He quickly ran the marathon” → Predicate: “ran,” not “quickly” or “the marathon.”
- Using incomplete verbs: “The dog loudly” → Missing verb. Correct: “The dog barked loudly.”
The Complete Predicate: Going Beyond the Verb
A complete predicate includes the verb and all the words that modify or complete its meaning.
Example:
- Simple predicate: “runs”
- Complete predicate: “runs every morning in the park”
It may contain:
- Direct objects
- Indirect objects
- Modifiers
- Adverbs and prepositional phrases
Diagram Example:
- Sentence: “The children played happily in the garden.”
- Subject: “The children”
- Complete Predicate: “played happily in the garden”
Pro Tips for Mastering Complete Predicates
- Use active voice verbs: “The chef cooked dinner” is stronger than “Dinner was cooked by the chef.”
- Avoid redundant modifiers: “She quickly ran fast” → Simplify: “She ran quickly.”
- Highlight key actions first: Always make sure the verb carries the main weight of the sentence.
Tip: A strong predicate makes your writing dynamic and engaging.
Compound Predicates: When One Subject Does More Than One Thing
A compound predicate occurs when a subject performs multiple actions.
Example:
- “The dog barked and chased the mailman.”
- Subject: “The dog”
- Compound Predicate: “barked and chased the mailman”
Guidelines:
- Use conjunctions like and, or, but, yet
- Ensure verbs agree in tense and structure
- Avoid overloading with too many actions
Common Errors with Compound Predicates
- Improper conjunctions: “The cat slept, ran, ate the food” → Needs “and” or semicolons.
- Omitting repeated verbs: “He washed the dishes and the floor” → Should be “washed the dishes and cleaned the floor” for clarity.
- Overloading predicates: Too many verbs make sentences confusing.
Corrected Example:
- Weak: “She cooked, cleaned, vacuumed, and washed all day.”
- Strong: “She cooked dinner, cleaned the kitchen, and vacuumed the living room.”
Linking Verbs and Predicate Complements
Some verbs don’t show action but connect the subject to a state or quality. These are called linking verbs.
Common linking verbs: be, seem, become, appear, feel, look, taste, sound, grow
Predicate adjective vs. predicate nominative:
- Predicate adjective: “The sky is blue.” (Describes subject)
- Predicate nominative: “He is a teacher.” (Renames subject)
Quick Table:
| Linking Verb | Predicate Adjective Example | Predicate Nominative Example |
|---|---|---|
| is | The room is bright. | He is a student. |
| seems | She seems tired. | My favorite is chocolate. |
| becomes | The day becomes cold. | His dream becomes reality. |
Predicates in Complex and Compound Sentences
In complex sentences, predicates can appear in multiple clauses:
Example:
- “The teacher explained the lesson while the students took notes.”
- Main predicate: “explained”
- Subordinate clause predicate: “took notes”
In compound sentences, multiple predicates share one or more subjects:
- “The sun rose, and the birds began singing.”
- First predicate: “rose”
- Second predicate: “began singing”
Tip: Always ensure each clause has a clear predicate to avoid fragments.
Common Predicate Errors and How to Avoid Them
- Confusing predicate with object: “He gave the ball the teacher” → Correct: “He gave the teacher the ball.”
- Using multiple predicates without proper conjunctions: Use “and,” “or,” or semicolons.
- Forgetting the verb: “The children in the park” → Needs action: “The children played in the park.”
- Overusing compound predicates: Break long sentences into clear, digestible parts.
Why Understanding Predicates Makes You a Better Writer
Mastering predicates improves:
- Clarity: Readers understand your meaning instantly.
- Tone: Strong verbs create energy and engagement.
- Flow: Smooth, varied sentences maintain reader interest.
Example: Weak vs. Strong Writing
- Weak: “She did things in the park.”
- Strong: “She ran across the park, swung on the swings, and laughed loudly.”
Mini Exercise: Identify the predicates in these sentences:
- “The dog barked and chased the cat.”
- “She is feeling happy today.”
- “The students wrote essays and presented them.”
Summary Table: Predicate Types at a Glance
| Predicate Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Predicate | Main verb only | “She runs.” |
| Complete Predicate | Verb + all modifiers and objects | “She runs every morning fast.” |
| Compound Predicate | Two or more verbs sharing one subject | “She runs and jumps daily.” |
| Predicate Adjective | Adjective linked by a linking verb | “The sky is blue.” |
| Predicate Nominative | Noun or pronoun linked by a linking verb | “He is a teacher.” |
FAQs
What is the difference between a simple and complete predicate?
A simple predicate is just the main verb, while a complete predicate includes all modifiers, objects, and complements.
Can a predicate have more than one verb?
Yes, that’s called a compound predicate, and it shows multiple actions by the same subject.
Are linking verbs considered part of the predicate?
Yes, linking verbs connect the subject to a complement, which forms the predicate.
How do predicates function in complex sentences?
Each clause in a complex sentence has its own predicate that tells what happens in that clause.
Why is understanding predicates important for writing?
Predicates clarify actions and states, making writing precise, strong, and engaging.
Conclusion
Predicates are the engine of every sentence. They carry the action, describe the subject, and bring your writing to life.
By mastering simple, complete, and compound predicates, you can write with clarity, energy, and precision.
Strengthen your sentences by focusing on verbs first, then build the predicate around them. Practice identifying and enhancing predicates,
and your writing will immediately become more engaging and effective.
I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.