The predicate in English grammar is a crucial component that provides information about the subject's actions, states, or characteristics. It answers questions like "what to do?", "what is this?", or "how is it?". Predicates are typically formed by verbs or verb phrases.
Composition of the Predicate
The predicate can be constructed in two ways:
Simple Predicate: A predicate that consists of a single verb or verb phrase, regardless of its tense, voice, or mood, is considered a simple predicate.
Compound Predicate: A compound predicate is made up of two parts:
- Modal Predicate: Composed of a modal verb followed by an infinitive without 'to'. For example: "These students will go to visit the museum tomorrow."
- Linking Predicate: Composed of a linking verb followed by a noun, pronoun, or adjective. For example: "Jack was seen to swim across the river."
Functions of the Predicate Verb
Predicate verbs serve several functions within a sentence:
- They describe the actions, states, or characteristics of the subject.
- They agree with the subject in person and number.
- They are an indispensable part of a sentence, making it complete.
Common Predicate Verbs
There are numerous common predicate verbs in English, such as "make" (to create), "buy" (to purchase), "might" (possibility), "like" (to enjoy), and "look" (to observe).
Usage of Predicate Verbs
Predicate verbs follow certain rules in usage:
- Predicate verbs usually come immediately after the subject.
- The tense, voice, and mood of the predicate verb must be consistent with the context of the sentence.
- In the subjunctive mood, predicate verbs often use the past tense.
- Special predicate verbs have fixed expressions, such as "If I were you, I would tell him the truth."
Classification of Verbs
Verbs in English are primarily divided into two categories based on their function:
- Predicate Verbs: Can stand alone as the predicate.
- Non-Predicate Verbs: Cannot stand alone as the predicate and include infinitives, gerunds, and participles.
