The complete predicate is a fundamental component of sentence structure, crucial for conveying actions, states, and occurrences in the English language. Understanding the complete predicate allows you to construct clearer, more effective sentences and enhances your overall writing and communication skills.
This article provides a detailed exploration of the complete predicate, covering its definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or simply someone looking to improve their grammar, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to master this essential grammatical concept.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of the Complete Predicate
- Structural Breakdown of the Complete Predicate
- Types of Complete Predicates
- Examples of Complete Predicates
- Usage Rules for Complete Predicates
- Common Mistakes with Complete Predicates
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of the Complete Predicate
The complete predicate includes the verb and all the words that modify the verb to express the complete thought about the subject. It tells what the subject does, is, or experiences. Unlike the simple predicate, which is just the verb itself, the complete predicate encompasses all the elements that provide additional information or context about the verb’s action or state.
The complete predicate can include various elements such as adverbs, adverbial phrases, prepositional phrases, and direct or indirect objects. These elements add detail and clarity to the sentence, providing a fuller picture of the action or state being described.
Understanding the role of each element within the complete predicate is essential for accurate sentence construction and interpretation.
In grammatical terms, the complete predicate definition centers on everything in a sentence that explains what the subject does or is. In other words, the complete predicate meaning goes beyond the verb alone and includes all words that complete or modify that verb.
When learners ask what is the complete predicate, they are essentially identifying the portion of the sentence that delivers the full action, condition, or experience connected to the subject.
Consider the following example: “The dog barked loudly at the mailman.” In this sentence, “barked” is the simple predicate, while “barked loudly at the mailman” is the complete predicate. The complete predicate provides additional information about how and at whom the dog barked, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the action.
What Is a Complete Predicate in a Sentence?
To understand what is a complete predicate in a sentence, it helps to look at how sentences are divided into two main parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject tells who or what the sentence is about, while the complete predicate explains what the subject does, is, or experiences. This includes the main verb along with any objects, modifiers, or phrases that give the action its full meaning.
For example, in the sentence “The children played happily in the park,” the complete predicate is “played happily in the park.” It does not stop at the verb “played” but extends to include how and where the action happened. Without these additional words, the sentence would feel incomplete or vague.
Recognizing the complete predicate in a sentence improves reading comprehension and writing clarity. It allows writers to expand ideas thoughtfully and helps readers identify the core action being described. This skill is especially useful when analyzing sentence structure, editing for clarity, or learning how to write more descriptive and precise sentences.
Structural Breakdown of the Complete Predicate
The complete predicate is structured around the verb, which is the core element indicating the action or state. The verb can be a single word or a verb phrase consisting of an auxiliary verb and a main verb. Modifiers such as adverbs and adverbial phrases provide additional information about the verb, while objects receive the action of the verb.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical components of a complete predicate:
- Verb (Simple Predicate): The action word (e.g., runs, is, will go).
- Adverbs: Modifies the verb, providing information about how, when, where, or to what extent (e.g., quickly, yesterday, here).
- Adverbial Phrases: A group of words that functions as an adverb (e.g., in the morning, with great enthusiasm).
- Prepositional Phrases: Begins with a preposition and modifies the verb (e.g., to the store, on the table).
- Direct Object: Receives the action of the verb (e.g., “He kicked the ball“).
- Indirect Object: Receives the direct object (e.g., “She gave him the book”).
- Subject Complement: Describes or identifies the subject (e.g., “She is a doctor“).
Understanding how these elements combine to form the complete predicate is essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. The order and arrangement of these elements can affect the clarity and impact of the sentence.
Types of Complete Predicates
Complete predicates can be categorized based on the type of verb they contain and the presence of objects or complements. The primary types include:
Action Verb Predicates
Action verb predicates describe actions performed by the subject. These predicates often include adverbs, adverbial phrases, and objects that provide additional information about the action.
Linking Verb Predicates
Linking verb predicates connect the subject to a subject complement, which describes or identifies the subject. These predicates do not express action but rather a state of being or a characteristic of the subject.
Transitive Verb Predicates
Transitive verb predicates include a transitive verb, which requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object receives the action of the verb.
Intransitive Verb Predicates
Intransitive verb predicates include an intransitive verb, which does not require a direct object. The verb’s action is complete without an object.
Compound Predicates
Compound predicates consist of two or more verbs connected by a coordinating conjunction such as “and,” “but,” or “or.” These predicates describe multiple actions or states of the subject.
Examples of Complete Predicates
Here are several examples of complete predicates, categorized by type, to illustrate their structure and function.
Action Verb Predicates Examples
Action verb predicates describe actions performed by the subject. These examples show the verb and all its modifiers and objects.
| Sentence | Complete Predicate |
|---|---|
| The children played happily in the park. | played happily in the park |
| The chef cooked a delicious meal for the guests. | cooked a delicious meal for the guests |
| The students studied diligently for the exam. | studied diligently for the exam |
| The birds flew swiftly across the sky. | flew swiftly across the sky |
| The rain poured heavily throughout the night. | poured heavily throughout the night |
| The musician played the piano beautifully. | played the piano beautifully |
| The athlete ran quickly around the track. | ran quickly around the track |
| The teacher explained the lesson clearly to the students. | explained the lesson clearly to the students |
| The author wrote a compelling novel last year. | wrote a compelling novel last year |
| The gardener planted flowers in the garden. | planted flowers in the garden |
| The engineer designed a new bridge for the city. | designed a new bridge for the city |
| The detective investigated the crime scene thoroughly. | investigated the crime scene thoroughly |
| The doctor prescribed medication for the patient. | prescribed medication for the patient |
| The artist painted a vibrant landscape on the canvas. | painted a vibrant landscape on the canvas |
| The pilot flew the plane safely through the storm. | flew the plane safely through the storm |
| The dancer performed gracefully on the stage. | performed gracefully on the stage |
| The scientist conducted experiments in the laboratory. | conducted experiments in the laboratory |
| The journalist reported the news accurately. | reported the news accurately |
| The entrepreneur launched a successful startup company. | launched a successful startup company |
| The volunteer helped the community with various projects. | helped the community with various projects |
| The programmer coded a complex software application. | coded a complex software application |
| The architect designed an innovative building. | designed an innovative building |
| The musician composed a beautiful symphony. | composed a beautiful symphony |
| The chef prepared a gourmet meal. | prepared a gourmet meal |
| The athlete won the gold medal. | won the gold medal |
Linking Verb Predicates Examples
Linking verb predicates connect the subject to a subject complement. The subject complement describes or identifies the subject.
The following table showcases sentences using linking verbs and their complete predicates.
| Sentence | Complete Predicate |
|---|---|
| She is a talented artist. | is a talented artist |
| The weather remained cold and dreary. | remained cold and dreary |
| The soup tasted delicious. | tasted delicious |
| He became the president of the company. | became the president of the company |
| The flowers smell fragrant. | smell fragrant |
| The movie seemed interesting. | seemed interesting |
| The cake looks appetizing. | looks appetizing |
| The music sounds beautiful. | sounds beautiful |
| The project is a great success. | is a great success |
| The task appeared simple. | appeared simple |
| The solution seemed obvious. | seemed obvious |
| The situation remained tense. | remained tense |
| The coffee smells strong. | smells strong |
| The performance appeared flawless. | appeared flawless |
| The idea sounds promising. | sounds promising |
| The outcome is uncertain. | is uncertain |
| The job became challenging. | became challenging |
| The journey felt long. | felt long |
| The experience was memorable. | was memorable |
| The atmosphere remained calm. | remained calm |
| The result is satisfactory. | is satisfactory |
| The food tasted bland. | tasted bland |
| The question seemed difficult. | seemed difficult |
| The answer appeared correct. | appeared correct |
| The sky looked clear. | looked clear |
Transitive Verb Predicates Examples
Transitive verb predicates include a transitive verb and a direct object. The direct object receives the action of the verb.
Below are some examples of transitive verb predicates.
| Sentence | Complete Predicate |
|---|---|
| He kicked the ball. | kicked the ball |
| She wrote a letter. | wrote a letter |
| They built a house. | built a house |
| The cat chased the mouse. | chased the mouse |
| The student answered the question. | answered the question |
| The artist painted a portrait. | painted a portrait |
| The chef prepared the meal. | prepared the meal |
| The musician played the guitar. | played the guitar |
| The author published a book. | published a book |
| The company launched a product. | launched a product |
| The child broke the toy. | broke the toy |
| The team won the game. | won the game |
| The teacher taught the lesson. | taught the lesson |
| The farmer harvested the crops. | harvested the crops |
| The mechanic fixed the car. | fixed the car |
| The programmer wrote the code. | wrote the code |
| The detective solved the case. | solved the case |
| The doctor treated the patient. | treated the patient |
| The judge dismissed the charges. | dismissed the charges |
| The jury reached a verdict. | reached a verdict |
| The student submitted the assignment. | submitted the assignment |
| The manager conducted the meeting. | conducted the meeting |
| The salesperson closed the deal. | closed the deal |
| The consultant provided advice. | provided advice |
| The athlete achieved a personal best. | achieved a personal best |
Intransitive Verb Predicates Examples
Intransitive verb predicates include an intransitive verb, which does not require a direct object. The verb’s action is complete without an object.
The following examples illustrate intransitive verb predicates.
| Sentence | Complete Predicate |
|---|---|
| The baby slept soundly. | slept soundly |
| The birds sang sweetly. | sang sweetly |
| The sun shone brightly. | shone brightly |
| The river flowed gently. | flowed gently |
| The leaves fell slowly. | fell slowly |
| The audience laughed loudly. | laughed loudly |
| The dog barked incessantly. | barked incessantly |
| The car stopped suddenly. | stopped suddenly |
| The rain stopped eventually. | stopped eventually |
| The wind howled fiercely. | howled fiercely |
| The plant grew rapidly. | grew rapidly |
| The fire burned brightly. | burned brightly |
| The speaker paused briefly. | paused briefly |
| The clock ticked steadily. | ticked steadily |
| The coffee steamed gently. | steamed gently |
| The dancer moved gracefully. | moved gracefully |
| The students listened attentively. | listened attentively |
| The snow fell softly. | fell softly |
| The actor performed admirably. | performed admirably |
| The crowd cheered enthusiastically. | cheered enthusiastically |
| The volcano erupted violently. | erupted violently |
| The machine operated smoothly. | operated smoothly |
| The experiment succeeded remarkably. | succeeded remarkably |
| The business prospered quickly. | prospered quickly |
| The project progressed steadily. | progressed steadily |
Compound Predicates Examples
Compound predicates consist of two or more verbs connected by a coordinating conjunction. These predicates describe multiple actions or states of the subject.
Here are some examples of sentences with compound predicates.
| Sentence | Complete Predicate |
|---|---|
| She sang and danced on the stage. | sang and danced on the stage |
| He studied hard but failed the exam. | studied hard but failed the exam |
| They traveled to Europe and visited many countries. | traveled to Europe and visited many countries |
| The dog barked and wagged its tail. | barked and wagged its tail |
| The chef cooked the meal and served the guests. | cooked the meal and served the guests |
| The students read the book and wrote a report. | read the book and wrote a report |
| The team practiced diligently and won the championship. | practiced diligently and won the championship |
| The author wrote the novel and published it online. | wrote the novel and published it online |
| The company developed the software and launched it successfully. | developed the software and launched it successfully |
| The artist painted the picture and displayed it in the gallery. | painted the picture and displayed it in the gallery |
| The engineer designed the building and oversaw its construction. | designed the building and oversaw its construction |
| The scientist conducted the experiment and analyzed the results. | conducted the experiment and analyzed the results |
| The detective investigated the crime and solved the mystery. | investigated the crime and solved the mystery |
| The doctor examined the patient and prescribed medication. | examined the patient and prescribed medication |
| The lawyer presented the case and won the trial. | presented the case and won the trial |
| The journalist researched the story and wrote the article. | researched the story and wrote the article |
| The entrepreneur started the business and grew it rapidly. | started the business and grew it rapidly |
| The volunteer organized the event and helped the community. | organized the event and helped the community |
| The programmer coded the application and tested it thoroughly. | coded the application and tested it thoroughly |
| The musician composed the song and performed it live. | composed the song and performed it live |
| The chef prepared the dish and presented it beautifully. | prepared the dish and presented it beautifully |
| The athlete trained rigorously and competed fiercely. | trained rigorously and competed fiercely |
| The teacher taught the students and inspired them to learn. | taught the students and inspired them to learn |
| The farmer planted the seeds and harvested the crops. | planted the seeds and harvested the crops |
| The mechanic diagnosed the problem and repaired the car. | diagnosed the problem and repaired the car |
Usage Rules for Complete Predicates
Using complete predicates correctly involves understanding several key rules. These rules ensure that sentences are grammatically sound and convey the intended meaning clearly.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb in the complete predicate must agree in number with the subject of the sentence. Singular subjects require singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs. For example, “He runs quickly” (singular) vs. “They run quickly” (plural).
- Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent verb tense throughout the complete predicate. Avoid shifting tenses unless there is a valid reason to do so. For example, “She walked to the store and bought some groceries” (past tense).
- Correct Verb Forms: Use the correct form of the verb based on the tense and aspect of the sentence. This includes using the correct auxiliary verbs and verb endings. For example, “He is running” (present continuous) vs. “He has run” (present perfect).
- Placement of Adverbs: Adverbs should be placed in a position that clearly modifies the verb. Generally, adverbs of frequency are placed before the main verb, while adverbs of manner are placed after the verb or object. For example, “She often sings” vs. “She sings beautifully.”
- Use of Prepositional Phrases: Prepositional phrases should be placed in a way that clearly indicates what they are modifying. Avoid placing them in a way that could cause confusion about which element they are related to. For example, “He walked to the store” (modifies the verb “walked”).
- Object Placement: In transitive verb predicates, the direct object should follow the verb. In sentences with indirect objects, the indirect object usually comes before the direct object. For example, “She gave him the book.”
Common Mistakes with Complete Predicates
Several common mistakes can occur when constructing complete predicates. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them and improve your writing accuracy.
| Mistake | Incorrect Example | Correct Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject-Verb Disagreement | They was running fast. | They were running fast. | The plural subject “they” requires the plural verb “were.” |
| Incorrect Verb Tense | She will went to the store. | She will go to the store. | After “will,” use the base form of the verb (“go”). |
| Misplaced Adverb | He sings good. | He sings well. | “Well” is the adverb form that modifies the verb “sings.” |
| Missing Object | She wrote. | She wrote a letter. | The transitive verb “wrote” requires a direct object. |
| Incorrect Preposition | He is going at the store. | He is going to the store. | The correct preposition is “to” to indicate direction. |
| Dangling Modifier | Running quickly, the street was seen. | Running quickly, he saw the street. | The modifier “running quickly” should refer to the subject “he.” |
| Incorrect Verb Form | She has ate the cake. | She has eaten the cake. | The past participle of “eat” is “eaten.” |
| Faulty Parallelism | He likes to swim and running. | He likes to swim and to run. | Both verbs should have the same form (“to swim” and “to run”). |
| Ambiguous Pronoun Reference | John told Tom that he was wrong. | John told Tom that John was wrong. | Clarify which person the pronoun “he” refers to. |
| Double Negative | He doesn’t have no money. | He doesn’t have any money. | Avoid using two negative words in the same clause. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of complete predicates with these practice exercises. Identify the complete predicate in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Identifying Complete Predicates
Identify the complete predicate in each of the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The cat slept on the windowsill. | slept on the windowsill |
| 2. The children played in the backyard. | played in the backyard |
| 3. The chef cooked a delicious meal. | cooked a delicious meal |
| 4. She is a talented musician. | is a talented musician |
| 5. The rain fell gently on the roof. | fell gently on the roof |
| 6. He ran quickly to the store. | ran quickly to the store |
| 7. They built a house by the lake. | built a house by the lake |
| 8. The sun shone brightly in the sky. | shone brightly in the sky |
| 9. We watched a movie last night. | watched a movie last night |
| 10. The dog barked loudly at the stranger. | barked loudly at the stranger |
Exercise 2: Constructing Sentences with Complete Predicates
Create a sentence using the given subject and complete predicate.
| Subject | Complete Predicate | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The students | studied diligently for the exam | The students studied diligently for the exam. |
| The artist | painted a beautiful landscape | The artist painted a beautiful landscape. |
| The chef | prepared a gourmet meal | The chef prepared a gourmet meal. |
| The athlete | trained hard and won the race | The athlete trained hard and won the race. |
| The musician | played the piano beautifully | The musician played the piano beautifully. |
| The writer | wrote a compelling story | The writer wrote a compelling story. |
| The children | laughed and played in the park | The children laughed and played in the park. |
| The teacher | explained the lesson clearly | The teacher explained the lesson clearly. |
| The doctor | treated the patient with care | The doctor treated the patient with care. |
| The engineer | designed a new bridge | The engineer designed a new bridge. |
Exercise 3: Correcting Errors in Complete Predicates
Identify and correct the errors in the complete predicates of the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He run fast. | He runs fast. | Subject-verb agreement: singular subject “He” requires singular verb “runs.” |
| She will went to the party. | She will go to the party. | After “will,” use the base form of the verb “go.” |
| They was happy. | They were happy. | Subject-verb agreement: plural subject “They” requires plural verb “were.” |
| The dog bark good. | The dog barks well. | Use the adverb “well” to modify the verb “barks.” |
| She has ate the dinner. | She has eaten the dinner. | Use the correct past participle “eaten” with “has.” |
| He doesn’t know nothing. | He doesn’t know anything. | Avoid double negatives. |
| The cat chase mouse. | The cat chases the mouse. | Add the article “the” and correct the verb form for subject-verb agreement. |
| We is going to the beach. | We are going to the beach. | Subject-verb agreement: plural subject “We” requires plural verb “are.” |
| She write letter. | She writes a letter. | Add the article “a” and correct the verb form for subject-verb agreement. |
| He be a doctor. | He is a doctor. | Use the correct form of the verb “to be” for subject-verb agreement. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring more complex aspects of complete predicates can further enhance your understanding of sentence structure. These topics include:
- Elliptical Predicates: These are incomplete predicates where some elements are omitted because they are understood from the context. For example, “He can sing, and she can too” (the complete predicate “can sing” is implied).
- Infinitive and Gerund Phrases as Part of the Predicate: These phrases can function as objects or complements within the complete predicate, adding layers of complexity to the sentence structure.
- Subjunctive Mood in the Predicate: The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations, and its use in the predicate can significantly alter the meaning of a sentence.
- Complex Sentence Structures: Understanding how complete predicates function within complex sentences, including subordinate clauses and relative clauses, is essential for advanced writing and analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about complete predicates.
What is the difference between a simple predicate and a complete predicate?
The simple predicate is just the verb in a sentence, whereas the complete predicate includes the verb and all the words that modify it or complete its meaning, such as adverbs, objects, and prepositional phrases. For example, in the sentence “The dog barks loudly,” the simple predicate is “barks,” and the complete predicate is “barks loudly.”
Can a complete predicate have more than one verb?
Yes, a complete predicate can have more than one verb if it is a compound predicate. This occurs when two or more verbs are connected by a coordinating conjunction such as “and,” “but,” or “or.” For example, “She sang and danced on the stage.”
How do I identify the complete predicate in a sentence?
To identify the complete predicate, first find the verb (the simple predicate). Then, include all the words that modify or complete the verb’s meaning. This includes adverbs, adverbial phrases, prepositional phrases, and any direct or indirect objects.
What is the role of adverbs in a complete predicate?
Adverbs modify the verb in the complete predicate, providing information about how, when, where, or to what extent the action is performed. They add detail and clarity to theverb.
Conclusion
Mastering the complete predicate is essential for effective communication and writing. By understanding its definition, structure, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can construct clearer, more grammatically sound sentences.
The practice exercises and advanced topics covered in this guide provide you with the tools to enhance your skills further. Whether you’re a student, writer, or language enthusiast, a solid grasp of the complete predicate will undoubtedly improve your ability to express yourself with precision and confidence.
Keep practicing and refining your understanding, and you’ll find your writing becoming more impactful and articulate.