Sometimes Called The Simple Predicate

The Simple Predicate: The Heart of the Sentence

Sometimes called the verb phrase, the simple predicate is the core of every sentence, revealing the action or state of being performed by the subject. Understanding the simple predicate is crucial for mastering sentence structure, grammar, and effective communication. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the simple predicate, exploring its definition, identification, variations, and importance in constructing clear and impactful sentences.

What is a Simple Predicate?

The simple predicate is the verb or verb phrase that describes the action or state of being of the subject in a sentence. It's the essential part of the predicate, stripped down to its most basic form. Unlike the complete predicate, which includes all the words modifying the verb, the simple predicate focuses solely on the verb itself. Think of it as the heart of the sentence – the action that drives the narrative.

For instance, in the sentence "The dog barked loudly," the simple predicate is "barked." The word "loudly" is an adverb modifying the verb, but it isn't part of the simple predicate. Similarly, in "The flowers are beautiful," the simple predicate is "are," the linking verb connecting the subject "flowers" to the predicate adjective "beautiful."

Identifying the Simple Predicate

Identifying the simple predicate involves pinpointing the main verb or verb phrase that expresses the action or state of being. To do this effectively, ask yourself: What is the subject doing? Or, what is the state of being of the subject? The answer will usually be the simple predicate.

Here are some examples to illustrate:

• Sentence: The birds sang sweetly in the morning.
  • Simple Predicate: sang
• Sentence: My grandmother knits intricate sweaters.
  • Simple Predicate: knits
• Sentence: The old house stood silently on the hill.
  • Simple Predicate: stood
• Sentence: The children are playing happily in the park.
  • Simple Predicate: are playing (This is a verb phrase acting as the simple predicate.)
• Sentence: She seems tired after a long day.
  • Simple Predicate: seems (This is a linking verb.)

Variations of the Simple Predicate: Verb Phrases

The simple predicate isn't always a single word. Often, it's a verb phrase, a group of words that function as a single verb. Verb phrases are comprised of a main verb and one or more auxiliary (helping) verbs. These auxiliary verbs help to indicate tense, mood, aspect, or voice.

Common auxiliary verbs include: is, are, was, were, be, being, been, has, have, had, do, does, did, will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, must.

Examples of sentences with verb phrases as the simple predicate:

• Sentence: They are eating pizza.
  • Simple Predicate: are eating (Main verb: eating, auxiliary verb: are)
• Sentence: She has finished her homework.
  • Simple Predicate: has finished (Main verb: finished, auxiliary verb: has)
• Sentence: We will be traveling to Europe next year.
  • Simple Predicate: will be traveling (Main verb: traveling, auxiliary verbs: will, be)
• Sentence: He should have studied harder.
  • Simple Predicate: should have studied (Main verb: studied, auxiliary verbs: should, have)

Understanding the Complete Predicate in Relation to the Simple Predicate

While the simple predicate focuses solely on the verb, the complete predicate encompasses the simple predicate and all the words that modify it or complete its meaning. The complete predicate provides a richer, more detailed description of the action or state of being.

Let's revisit the examples:

• Sentence: The birds sang sweetly in the morning.
  • Simple Predicate: sang
  • Complete Predicate: sang sweetly in the morning
• Sentence: My grandmother knits intricate sweaters.
  • Simple Predicate: knits
  • Complete Predicate: knits intricate sweaters
• Sentence: The children are playing happily in the park.
  • Simple Predicate: are playing
  • Complete Predicate: are playing happily in the park

The Importance of the Simple Predicate in Sentence Structure

The simple predicate is fundamental to sentence structure because it provides the action or state of being that the subject performs or experiences. Without a simple predicate, a sentence lacks a core element and becomes grammatically incomplete. The simple predicate also dictates the tense, mood, and voice of the sentence, influencing its overall meaning and impact.

For example, consider the difference between:

• The cat sleeps. (Present tense, simple predicate: sleeps)
• The cat slept. (Past tense, simple predicate: slept)
• The cat will sleep. (Future tense, simple predicate: will sleep)

These sentences all have the same subject, but the different simple predicates drastically alter the meaning, indicating different points in time.

Linking Verbs and the Simple Predicate

Linking verbs are a special type of verb that don't show action but connect the subject to a word or phrase that describes or identifies it. The word following a linking verb is usually a predicate adjective (describing the subject) or a predicate nominative (re-naming the subject). While they don't express action, linking verbs still form the simple predicate.

Common linking verbs include: is, are, was, were, be, being, been, seem, appear, become, remain, stay, feel, look, smell, taste, sound.

Examples:

• Sentence: The soup tastes delicious.
  • Simple Predicate: tastes ("delicious" is a predicate adjective.)
• Sentence: She is a doctor.
  • Simple Predicate: is ("doctor" is a predicate nominative.)
• Sentence: He became a renowned artist.
  • Simple Predicate: became ("a renowned artist" is a predicate nominative.)

The Simple Predicate and Effective Writing

Understanding the simple predicate is essential for crafting clear and concise sentences. By accurately identifying the simple predicate, you can ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and convey your intended meaning effectively. Strong verbs, forming the heart of the simple predicate, are crucial for creating dynamic and engaging writing. Weak verbs can lead to dull and lifeless prose. Therefore, choosing strong and precise verbs for your simple predicate will significantly enhance the quality of your writing.

Consider these examples:

• Weak: The man went to the store. (Simple predicate: went)
• Strong: The man hurried to the store. (Simple predicate: hurried)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A common mistake is confusing the simple predicate with other parts of the sentence. Remember, the simple predicate is only the verb or verb phrase. Avoid including adverbs, prepositional phrases, or other modifiers. Focus on identifying the core action or state of being expressed by the verb.

Another mistake is failing to recognize verb phrases as the simple predicate. Remember to consider all the auxiliary verbs that accompany the main verb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can a sentence have more than one simple predicate?

  • A: No. A simple sentence has only one independent clause, and therefore only one simple predicate. Sentences with multiple clauses will have a simple predicate in each clause.

• Q: What is the difference between a simple predicate and a complete predicate?

  • A: The simple predicate is just the verb or verb phrase. The complete predicate includes the simple predicate and all words that modify it or complete its meaning.

• Q: How do I identify the simple predicate in a complex sentence?

  • A: Identify each independent clause within the complex sentence. Each independent clause will have its own simple predicate.

• Q: Can a simple predicate be a linking verb?

  • A: Yes, linking verbs, while not expressing action, still form the simple predicate. They connect the subject to a predicate adjective or nominative.

• Q: What happens if the simple predicate is incorrect?

  • A: An incorrect simple predicate will lead to a grammatically flawed sentence, causing confusion and potentially obscuring the intended meaning. It's essential to ensure the correct verb tense and form are used.

Conclusion

The simple predicate, whether a single verb or a verb phrase, is the indispensable core of every sentence. Mastering its identification and understanding its role in sentence structure is critical for both grammatical accuracy and effective communication. By paying close attention to the verb, and its modifiers, you can create clear, concise, and impactful sentences that accurately reflect your thoughts and ideas. The simple predicate is the engine driving your sentences; understand it well, and your writing will be stronger and more engaging. The ability to correctly identify the simple predicate is a fundamental building block for advanced grammatical understanding and successful writing.