Predicate

Definition

A predicate is the part of a sentence or clause that tells what the subject does or is, including the verb and any objects or modifiers associated with it. Predicates provide essential information about the action or state of being of the subject, making them a crucial component in understanding sentence structure and meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Predicates can be simple, containing just a verb, or compound, involving multiple verbs and objects.
2. Every complete sentence must have a predicate to be grammatically correct, as it provides necessary context for the subject.
3. In sentences with linking verbs, such as 'is' or 'seems', the predicate includes a subject complement that describes or identifies the subject.
4. The placement of the predicate can vary in questions and commands, affecting the overall structure and meaning of the sentence.
5. Understanding predicates helps with subject-verb agreement since the verb form must align with the subject in number and person.

Review Questions

• How does understanding predicates enhance your comprehension of sentence structure?
  • Understanding predicates is key to comprehending sentence structure because they reveal what the subject is doing or experiencing. This knowledge allows you to identify how different parts of a sentence connect and work together to convey meaning. For instance, recognizing that predicates can include verbs and objects helps clarify the action and its recipient, enabling better understanding of complex sentences.
• Discuss how predicates contribute to subject-verb agreement in sentences.
  • Predicates play a vital role in subject-verb agreement because they contain the verb that must align with the subject. If the subject is singular, the verb in the predicate should also be singular; similarly, if the subject is plural, then a plural verb must be used. This relationship ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity within sentences, as mismatched subjects and verbs can lead to confusion.
• Evaluate how different types of predicates impact sentence variation and complexity.
  • Different types of predicates significantly impact sentence variation and complexity by adding depth to sentence construction. Simple predicates consist only of a verb, while compound predicates include multiple verbs or actions linked by conjunctions. Moreover, expanded predicates may feature objects and modifiers that provide additional details. This variation not only enriches communication but also allows writers to create more dynamic sentences that can convey nuanced ideas effectively.

Related terms

Subject: The part of a sentence that indicates who or what the sentence is about, usually a noun or pronoun.

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

Object: The noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb within a sentence, often included in the predicate.