Have you ever wondered, what is a predicate and why teachers always talk about it in grammar class? If yes, you’re not alone. Understanding what is a predicate is one of the most important parts of learning the English language. It helps us build better sentences and speak more clearly. Without knowing what’ is a predicate, we cannot write or speak correctly.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the question: what is a predicate. We’ll go step by step, using easy words and clear examples. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just curious, this guide is made for you. By the end, you’ll not only know what is a predicate, but you’ll also know how to use it like a pro.
The Basics – What is a Predicate in Grammar?
Let’s start from the beginning. To understand what is a’ predicate, we must first look at a full sentence. A sentence is made of two main parts: the subject and the predicate.
- The subject tells us who or what the sentence is about.
- The predicate tells us what the subject does or is.
So, what is a predicate in simple words? It is the part of the sentence that tells us something about the subject. It often includes a verb and other words that give more information.
Example:
- The cat sleeps on the sofa.
- Subject: The cat
- Predicate: sleeps on the sofa
“sleeps on the sofa” is the predicate. It tells us what the cat is doing.
Why is It Important to Know What is a Predicate?
Now that we understand what is a ‘predicate, let’s talk about why it’s important. Every sentence needs a predicate to be complete. Without it, the sentence doesn’t make sense. If someone says, “The boy,” and stops, we don’t know what the boy did. But if they say, “The boy ran fast,” we get the full idea.
Learning what is a predicate also helps in:
- Better writing: Sentences become clearer and more interesting.
- Correct grammar: You avoid fragments and errors.
- Understanding: Reading and listening becomes easier when you know how sentences work.
So, understanding what is a predicate is a key to becoming great at English.
Types of Predicates – More Than Just Verbs
When we ask what is a predicate, we might think it’s just a verb. But there are different types of predicates. Let’s explore them.
Simple Predicate
This includes only the main verb or verb phrase.
Example:
- She sings.
Predicate = sings
Complete Predicate
This includes the verb and all the words that tell more about the verb.
Example:
- She sings beautifully in the choir.
Predicate = sings beautifully in the choir
Compound Predicate
This has two or more verbs or verb phrases that share the same subject.
Example:
- She sings and dances.
Predicate = sings and dances
Each of these answers the question: what is a ‘predicate in a different way. The more we explore, the clearer it gets.
How to Find What is a Predicate in Any Sentence
A lot of people get confused when they try to find the predicate. But if you know the trick, it becomes easy.
Step 1: Find the subject (who or what is the sentence about).
Step 2: Look at what the subject is doing or being – that’s your predicate.
Let’s take a sentence:
- The birds in the tree chirped loudly.
Ask yourself:
- Who is the sentence about? The birds in the tree → Subject
- What did they do? Chirped loudly → Predicate
Once you try a few examples, you’ll be able to spot what is a ‘predicate very quickly.
Using What is a Predicate in Real Life Writing
So far, we’ve answered the question what is a predicate in theory. But how do we use it in real writing?
When writing:
- Always make sure every sentence has a subject and a predicate.
- Use different types of predicates to make your writing more interesting.
- Watch out for sentence fragments (sentences missing a predicate).
Here’s a bad example:
- My dog. ❌ (No predicate)
Better example:
- My dog barks at the mailman. ✅ (Has subject and predicate)
Good writing always answers the question what is a predicate clearly in every sentence.
Common Mistakes with Predicates
Now that we’re confident about what is a predicate, it’s time to avoid some common mistakes.
Mistake 1: Forgetting the predicate
Example: The teacher at school.
Fix: The teacher at school teaches math.
Mistake 2: Thinking the subject is part of the predicate
People often include the subject when they should only look at the action part.
Mistake 3: Misusing compound predicates
Don’t overuse “and” or mix up tenses.
Example:
- Wrong: She dances and eating. ❌
- Correct: She dances and eats. ✅
By avoiding these errors, you’ll always show you understand what is a predicate well.
Read More: What-is-a-second-cousin-full-family-tree
Features of a Predicate
| Feature | Explanation |
| Tells about the subject | The predicate shows what the subject does or what it is. |
| Always has a verb | Every predicate must include a verb (action or being word). |
| Can be short or long | A predicate can be just one word or a whole group of words. |
| Follows the subject | The predicate usually comes right after the subject in a sentence. |
| Can have objects | It may include other words like objects, adverbs, or phrases to add meaning. |
| Makes a sentence complete | A sentence is not complete without a predicate. |
| Answers “What happened?” | It answers what the subject did, does, or is. |
| Includes helping verbs | Sometimes it has helping verbs like “is,” “are,” “have,” or “will.” |
Fun with Predicates – Exercises and Games
Let’s have fun with the idea of what is a’ predicate. Try these mini-games:
Game 1: Find the Predicate
Read the sentence and underline the predicate.
- The frog jumps into the pond.
- The kids played soccer after school.
Game 2: Make Your Own
Create your own sentences. Start with a subject, then add a fun predicate.
- Subject: My robot
- Predicate: makes sandwiches every morning
Now say it together: My robot makes sandwiches every morning. ✅
Doing these games helps remember what is a ‘predicate in a fun way.
Teaching Kids What is a Predicate
Teaching kids what is a predicate doesn’t have to be boring. Use these tips:
- Use pictures: Show a dog and ask, “What is it doing?”
- Sing songs or rhymes that include full sentences.
- Use storybooks to point out predicates in each line.
When kids understand what is a ‘predicate early, they become strong readers and writers.
Advanced Understanding – Predicate Nouns and Predicate Adjectives
Let’s take what is a predicate to a higher level. Sometimes, predicates include nouns or adjectives that rename or describe the subject.
Predicate Noun:
- He is a doctor. → “a doctor” renames “He”
Predicate Adjective:
- The sky is blue. → “blue” describes “The sky”
These come after linking verbs like “is,” “are,” “was,” and “seem.”
Learning these helps expand your answer to what is a ‘predicate beyond just actions.
Benefits of Learning What Is a Predicate
- Helps you write full sentences
Knowing what is a predicate makes your sentences complete and correct. - Improves grammar skills
It builds your grammar knowledge and helps you understand sentence parts better. - Makes reading easier
You can understand stories and books more clearly when you know how sentences work. - Boosts speaking confidence
When you speak, your sentences will make more sense and sound smarter. - Helps with schoolwork and tests
Knowing what a predicate is can help you do well in English grammar lessons and exams. - Makes editing easier
You can find and fix sentence mistakes faster if you know where the predicate is. - Builds strong communication
Good sentences help you share your thoughts clearly with others.
Summary – What is a Predicate in a Nutshell
Let’s wrap everything up.
- A predicate tells what the subject does or is.
- It always includes a verb, and often other words too.
- Without it, a sentence is incomplete.
- There are simple, complete, and compound predicates.
- Knowing what is a predicate helps with writing, reading, and speaking better English.
Now, you’ve mastered the answer to what is a predicate.
Conclusion
So now we know what is a predicate. It’s the part of a sentence that tells what someone or something does or is. Without a predicate, a sentence feels like it’s missing something. When we say, “The dog,” it’s not complete. But when we say, “The dog runs fast,” it sounds right. That’s because we added the predicate. Predicates can be short or long, and sometimes they even have two or more actions. Learning what is a’ predicate helps us write better, talk better, and understand more when we read. It’s like learning a new superpower in grammar.
Next time you write a sentence, stop and check did I use a predicate? If yes, great job. If not, try to add one. Keep practicing with your own fun sentences every day. Try writing silly ones like “The monkey jumps on the bed” or “My robot dances in the kitchen.” You can even play games where you guess the predicate. Remember, what is a predicate is not a scary question anymore it’s something you know well. Keep writing, keep smiling, and be proud of your grammar skills.
Do You Know: Theteppanyaki
FAQ
What is a predicate in a sentence?
A predicate is the part of the sentence that tells what the subject does or is. It usually starts with a verb.
Can a predicate be just one word?
Yes. A predicate can be one word if it’s a verb, like in the sentence “Birds fly.” Here, “fly” is the predicate.
What is the difference between a subject and a predicate?
The subject is who or what the sentence is about. The predicate tells what the subject does or describes it.
What is a complete predicate?
A complete predicate includes the verb and all the words that give more details about the action or state.
How do I find the predicate in a sentence?
First, find the subject. Then ask what the subject does or is. The words that answer this are the predicate.