Predicate

Definition

A predicate is the part of a sentence or clause that tells what the subject does or is. It includes the verb and all the words that follow it, providing essential information about the action or state of being related to the subject. Understanding predicates is key to mastering sentence structure, as they help convey complete thoughts and clarify relationships between subjects and their actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The predicate can be simple, consisting of just a verb, or it can be compound, containing multiple verbs or phrases that relate to the subject.
2. Every complete sentence must have at least one predicate, as it provides necessary information that helps form a coherent thought.
3. Predicates can be classified into different types, such as action predicates (showing an action) and linking predicates (describing a state of being).
4. In questions, the order of the subject and predicate can change, but understanding each part's role is still crucial for comprehension.
5. Modifiers within a predicate can include objects, complements, and adverbial phrases, all contributing additional details to enhance understanding.

Review Questions

• How does a predicate function in relation to the subject in a sentence?
  • The predicate functions by describing what the subject does or its state of being. It provides necessary information about the action taken by the subject or identifies characteristics of it. For instance, in the sentence 'The dog barks loudly,' 'barks loudly' is the predicate that tells us what the subject, 'the dog,' is doing.
• Compare and contrast action predicates with linking predicates, providing examples for clarity.
  • Action predicates express an action performed by the subject, like in 'She runs fast,' where 'runs fast' shows what she is doing. Linking predicates, on the other hand, connect the subject to additional information without showing action, such as in 'He is happy,' where 'is happy' describes his state. Both types are essential for creating meaningful sentences but serve different functions.
• Evaluate how understanding predicates can enhance overall writing skills and sentence clarity.
  • Understanding predicates can greatly enhance writing skills by enabling clearer and more precise sentence construction. A well-defined predicate ensures that readers grasp what actions are being taken or how subjects relate to other elements in a sentence. This clarity leads to better communication of ideas and reduces ambiguity in writing. By mastering predicates, writers can craft more impactful sentences that effectively convey their intended messages.

Related terms

Subject: The subject is the part of a sentence that indicates who or what the sentence is about, usually performing the action of the verb.

Verb: A verb is a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being, forming the core of the predicate.

Complete Predicate: The complete predicate includes the verb and all the words that modify or complete its meaning, providing a fuller picture of the action or state described.