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The predicate is everything in the sentence that is not part of the subject. It begins with the verb and continues to the end of the sentence.
This section will cover predicates and how they are used.
Two Types of Verbs
Identifying Subjects and Predicates
The predicate can be identified fairly easily in a sentence. Remember, it is everything in the sentence that is not part of the subject. It tells who or what is doing the action.
Now let's put our subject examples with our predicate examples to make some complete sentences.
Here we go!
Putting It All Together
Reminder: There are two types of verbs:
is
am
are
appear
seem
become
was
were
be
being
been
Linking Verbs
Action Verbs
A word that shows action and is not
any of the following:
- gerund
- infinitive
- participle
Subjects and Noun Phrases
Sara
Fred
The broken vase
The frightened puppy
Predicates or Verb Phrases
plays the violin beautifully.
found a rare coin with his metal detector.
has been repaired.
found a friend.
The predicate starts with the verb and continues to the end of the sentence.
This time, let's try some examples where the verbs are linking verbs. See if you can pick out the predicates.
You can put the predicate before the subject to add more effect.
The girl is kind and thoughtful.
He became a Boy Scout.
Everything seemed organized.
Susan feels tired after work.
Answers:
The girl is kind and thoughtful.
He became a Boy Scout.
Everything seemed organized.
Susan feels tired after work.
Sara plays the violin beautifully.
Fred found a rare coin with his metal detector.
The broken vase has been repaired.
The frightened puppy found a friend.
Note: The subjects are italicized, and the predicates are boldfaced.
If you chose the predicates show above, you are correct.
An Added Note:
Down the tree climbed the squirrel.
However, it is more commonly known to place the subject before the predicate.
The squirrel climbed down the tree.
Language Arts: Predicates - Tutorial
