Predicates In English Grammar

Introduction

The predicate in a sentence provides crucial information about the action performed by the subject or its state of being. In this article, we will define what predicates are and explore their different types. Illustrative examples will be provided.

Let’s first define the role of a predicate in a sentence.

What Is The Predicate In A Sentence?

The predicate in a sentence or clause refers to the words that describe the action carried out by the subject. It does not include the subject itself. A predicate, essentially, contains a verb and gives information about the subject.

Let’s break down this definition:

First, it is crucial to know that in traditional grammar, a sentence consists of two parts:

  • A subject
  • A predicate that states something about the subject.

Consider the following sentence:

  • Bill likes soccer.

“Bill” is the subject and ” likes soccer” acts as the predicate (a subsequent description of the subject which is headed with the verb likes.)

Predicates provide information about the subject, such as what the subject is doing or what the subject is like. It must contain a verb but may also contain other sentence elements. These elements may be:

  1. Objects (Direct and Indirect):
    • She sent him an email. (“Him” and “an email” are indirect and direct objects, respectively.)
  2. Adverbs:
    • She walked quickly. (“Quickly” is an adverb modifying the verb “walked“.)
  3. Phrases:
    • They went into the room. (“Into the room” is a prepositional phrase showing where they went.)
  4. Clauses:
    • I saw the man who was walking into the room. (“The man who was walking into the classroom” is a clause indicating what was seen.)
  5. Subject Complement:
    • He is an engineer. (“An engineer” is a subject complement)

Predicates With Linking Verbs

When the subject and the predicate are connected with a linking verb, the predicate is either a nominal, adjectival, or adverbial complement:

Nominal Predicates:

  • He is the president.
  • These are the candidates.

Adjectival Predicates:

  • She is beautiful.
  • They are careless.

Adverbial Complement:

  • He is in the kitchen.
  • We are in the house.

Examples Of Predicates

Here are examples of predicates in sentences:

  • He laughs. (Predicate containing only a verb)
  • She writes poems. (Predicate with a direct object)
  • They gave me a gift. (Predicate with an indirect object and a direct object)
  • He saw her in the hospital. (Predicate with a direct object and a prepositional phrase.)
  • She sings beautifully. (Predicate with an adverb)
  • The cat caught a mouse. (Direct object)
  • We sent her a postcard. (Indirect object and direct object)
  • They played soccer in the park. (Predicate with a direct object and a prepositional phrase.)
  • He has finished his homework. (Predicate with a direct object)
  • We went to the movies. (Predicate with a prepositional phrase.)
  • She painted the room. (Predicate with a direct object)
  • The teacher gave the students an assignment. (Predicate with an indirect object and a direct object)
  • He spoke with confidence(Predicate with a prepositional phrase.)
  • The storm frightened the children. (Predicate with a direct object)
  • They handed him a letter. (Predicate with an indirect object and direct object)
  • The sun set behind the mountains. (Predicate with a prepositional phrase.)
  • The soup is salty. (Predicate with a subject complement)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the predicate serves as a vital component within a sentence, offering insights into the actions undertaken by the subject or its state of being. While a predicate may consist solely of verbs, more often than not, it incorporates additional elements such as objects, phrases, clauses, and more. Proficiency in constructing coherent sentences hinges on understanding how predicates collaborate to articulate a comprehensive and meaningful thought in tandem with the subject.

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