Predicate: Sentence Structure

Welcome to our English learning course! Today, we will delve into an essential aspect of sentence structure: the predicate.

What is a Predicate?

A predicate is a vital part of a sentence that provides information about the subject. It usually contains the verb and other associated words that describe the action or state of being of the subject. In simpler terms, the predicate tells us what the subject is doing or what is being said about the subject.

Components of a Predicate:

1.  Verb: The core element of the predicate is the verb. It expresses the action performed by the subject or describes its state of being. For example, in the sentence “She sings beautifully,” the verb “sings” indicates the action performed by the subject “She.”
2.  Objects: Objects are nouns or pronouns that receive the action of the verb. There are two types of objects:
   •  Direct Object: It directly receives the action of the verb. For instance, in the sentence “He kicked the ball,” “the ball” is the direct object as it receives the action of the verb “kicked.”
   •  Indirect Object: It indicates to or for whom the action is done. In the sentence “She gave him a gift,” “him” is the indirect object as it receives the gift.
3.  Complements: Complements are words or phrases that complete the meaning of the predicate. They provide additional information about the subject or the action. There are two types of complements:
   •  Subject Complement: It renames or describes the subject. For example, in the sentence “She is a doctor,” “doctor” renames the subject “She.”
   •  Object Complement: It renames or describes the direct object. In the sentence “They painted the wall red,” “red” describes the direct object “the wall.”

Examples:

1.  Subject + Verb: “She dances.”
2.  Subject + Verb + Direct Object: “He eats apples.”
3.  Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object: “She gave him a book.”
4.  Subject + Verb + Subject Complement: “He is a teacher.”
5.  Subject + Verb + Object Complement: “They painted the house red.”

Understanding predicates is crucial for constructing meaningful sentences. By grasping the components of a predicate, you’ll be able to express yourself more effectively in English.

Practice: Now, let’s practice identifying predicates in sentences. Look at the following examples and identify the predicates:

1.  The cat chased the mouse.
2.  She is reading a book.
3.  They cooked delicious food.
4.  He plays the guitar.
5.  The flowers smell sweet.

Exercises : 

• Exercise 1: Predicate | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 2: Predicate | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 3: Predicate | Practice Test Online

Great job! Keep practicing to enhance your understanding of predicates in English sentences.