What is a Predicate? Definition with Examples for Students
Understanding the predicate is essential in English grammar. The predicate tells us what the subject of a sentence does, is, or experiences. Knowing how to identify and use predicates improves your writing, helps in school and competitive exams, and makes English communication clearer.
| Predicate Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Predicate | Main verb or verb phrase | The cat sleeps. |
| Complete Predicate | Verb plus all related words | The cat sleeps on the mat. |
| Compound Predicate | Two or more actions/states for one subject | The cat meows and sleeps. |
| Predicate Adjective | Adjective after linking verb; describes subject | The cat is sleepy. |
| Predicate Nominative | Noun/pronoun after linking verb; renames subject | My pet is a cat. |
What is a Predicate in English Grammar?
A predicate in English grammar is the part of a sentence that says what the subject does or is. It always contains a verb or verb phrase. For example, in the sentence "Rita runs fast," "runs fast" is the predicate.
Parts of a Sentence: Subject and Predicate
Every complete sentence has two main parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject tells who or what the sentence is about, and the predicate explains what the subject does or is.
| Subject | Predicate |
|---|---|
| The dog | barked loudly. |
| My friends | are playing football. |
Types of Predicates in English Grammar
There are different types of predicates you need to know for school and exams. Each type helps you describe actions, states, or qualities in sentences clearly.
Simple Predicate
The simple predicate is just the main verb or verb phrase. Example: "She slept."
Complete Predicate
The complete predicate includes the verb and all the words describing the action. Example: "She slept peacefully all night."
Compound Predicate
A compound predicate happens when a subject does two or more things. Example: "She washed the dishes and listened to music."
Predicate Adjective
A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and describes the subject. Example: "The sky is blue."
Predicate Nominative
A predicate nominative follows a linking verb and names or identifies the subject. Example: "He is a teacher."
Predicate Examples in Sentences
See how predicates work in real sentences. The predicate parts are shown for each example below:
- The children laugh.
- My brother is reading a book.
- She became a doctor.
- The cake tastes delicious.
- We went to the park and played.
- The flowers were bright and colourful.
- The car is red.
- They were happy.
- My mother cooks dinner every night.
Predicate vs Verb: What’s the Difference?
A verb is the key action or state word in a sentence, but the predicate includes the verb plus any other words that tell more about the action or state. For example, in "She is singing a song," "is singing a song" is the predicate, while "singing" is just the main verb.
Common Mistakes with Predicates
- Missing predicate: "My dog with white fur." (Correction: "My dog with white fur is playful")
- Confusing verb and predicate: The verb is only part of the predicate.
- Subject-predicate disagreement: "They is running." (Correction: "They are running")
- Fragment sentences: "Because he was late." (Correction: "He was late to school.")
Why is Learning the Predicate Important?
Knowing how to identify and use predicates helps you make correct sentences for school and exams. It also improves your speaking and writing in English. At Vedantu, we simplify grammar so you can master topics like predicates easily.
Related Grammar Topics at Vedantu
- Subject and Predicate
- Parts of a Sentence
- Sentence Structure
- Types of Sentences
- Types of Verbs
- Clauses
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Verb Forms Guide
- Simple Sentences
- Phrase and Clause Types
- Predicate Adjective
- Predicate Nominative
Summary: Predicates in English grammar tell what the subject does, is, or becomes. Understanding the predicate is vital for building correct, clear sentences on tests or in daily life. Practice different predicate types and examples to boost your English skills with help from Vedantu.
FAQs on Predicate: Meaning, Types, and Examples in English Grammar
1. What is a predicate in English grammar?
A predicate is the part of a sentence that tells what the subject does or is. It includes the verb and any related words, describing the action or state of being of the subject. For example, in "The dog barks," "barks" is the predicate.
2. Can you give 5 examples of predicates in sentences?
Here are five examples highlighting the predicates (in bold):
• The bird flew south.
• The sun is shining brightly.
• She wrote a long letter.
• They are going home.
• He became a doctor.
3. Is a predicate the same as a verb?
No, a predicate is not always the same as a verb. While the verb forms the core of the predicate, the predicate also includes all the words that modify or complete the verb's meaning. A simple predicate might be just a verb, but a complete predicate includes all the words that explain the action or state of being of the subject.
4. What are the types of predicates?
Main types of predicates include: simple predicates (just the verb), complete predicates (verb plus all related words), and compound predicates (two or more verbs). Additionally, you have predicate adjectives (describing the subject, linked by a linking verb) and predicate nominatives (re-naming the subject).
5. Why is the predicate important in a sentence?
The predicate is crucial because it provides the main information about the subject – what it does, its state, or what it is. Without a predicate, a sentence is incomplete and lacks meaning. It completes the sentence's core structure of subject + predicate.
6. What is the difference between a simple predicate and a complete predicate?
A simple predicate is just the verb itself. A complete predicate includes the verb and all the words that modify or complete its meaning. For example, in "The cat slept soundly," "slept" is the simple predicate, while "slept soundly" is the complete predicate.
7. What is a predicate and example?
A predicate is the part of a sentence that gives information about the subject. It usually includes the main verb and any words that modify it. For example, in "The dog chased the ball," "chased the ball" is the predicate.
8. What are 10 predicate examples?
Here are ten examples, with predicates in bold:
• Birds sing sweetly.
• The train arrived late.
• The chef prepared a delicious meal.
• The flowers smell amazing.
• He is a talented musician.
• She became a teacher.
• The sun sets in the west.
• The students studied diligently.
• The car sped down the highway.
• They are happy together.
9. What is predicate in English?
In English grammar, a predicate is the part of a sentence that describes the action, state, or condition of the subject. It always contains a verb and may include other elements like objects, complements, and modifiers.
10. Is predicate same as verb?
No, a predicate is not the same as a verb. A verb is a part of a predicate, but the predicate includes the verb and any other words that modify or complete the verb's meaning. For example, in “The dog ran quickly,” “ran quickly” is the predicate, with “ran” being the verb.
