A predicate is a group of words that complete a sentence. The subject names the person who performs the action. The predicate does the rest of the work.

A simple predicate consists of just one word – a verb. It may also consist of a verb string, or compound verb.

Study the examples given below.

The dog barked. (Here the predicate barked consists of just one word.)

The dogs have been barking. (Here the predicate consists of a verb string – have been barking.)

John took out his pen and started writing. (Here the predicate consists of a compound verb – took out his pen and started writing.)

As you can see, a compound predicate consists of two or more simple predicates.

A complete predicate consists of the verb and all accompanying modifiers.

The adjective that follows a linking verb usually tells us something about the subject.

Melissa is beautiful.

Here the predicate adjective beautiful says something about the noun.

His actions have been despicable.

The noun that follows a linking verb tells us what the subject is.

My sister is a doctor.

Exercise

Identify the subject and predicate in the following sentences.

1. My father works at a bank.

Subject ……………………………., Predicate ……………………………………….

2. The garbage smells bad.

Subject ……………………………., Predicate ……………………………………….

3. The glacier has been melting.

Subject ……………………………., Predicate ……………………………………….

4. He hit the ball with his head.

Subject ……………………………., Predicate ……………………………………….

5. Children rush about.

Subject ……………………………., Predicate ……………………………………….

Answers

1. Subject: my father; Predicate: works at a bank

2. Subject: the garbage; Predicate: smells bad

3. Subject: the glacier; Predicate: has been melting

4. Subject: hit; Predicate: hit the ball with his head

5. Subject: children; Predicate: rush about