Syntax

Predicate in English grammar with examples

Predicted in English

The predicate is the part of the sentence that expresses its main content – that which is the subject of affirmation, denial, or question. Here we will make you understand the predicate in English grammar along with examples.

The predicate can be simple or compoundCompound predicates, in turn, are divided into nominal and verb.

A simple predicate in English is expressed by a personal verb of any tense, voice, and mood.

like music.
I love music.
They are sleeping.
They are sleeping.
(in this case, the verb consists of two words, but it is also considered a simple predicate since both of its constituents represent one verb form)

Compound verb predicate in English

A compound verb predicate consists of a personal verb and an infinitive or gerund.

The infinitive or gerund expresses the main action, and the verb in its personal form clarifies it:

want to dance.
I want to dance.

Modal verbs or verbs that express the beginning, continuation, or end of action, as well as the attitude of the actor towards it ( to begin, to start, to continue, to want, to decide, to intend, and others) can be used as a verb in personal form.

The compound nominal predicate in English

A compound nominal predicate consists of a linking verb to be (or verbs to become, to grow, to get, to turn ) and a nominal part indicating the quality of the subject:

We are professionals.
We are professionals.

The noun part can be expressed by a noun, pronoun, adjective, participle, infinitive, or gerund.

Coordination of predicate and subject

The English predicate agrees with the subject in person and number:

He has much money.
He has a lot of money.
I enjoy playing jazz.
I like to play jazz.

If the subject is expressed by an indefinite pronoun, an interrogative pronoun who or what, a gerund, or an infinitive, then the verb is used in the singular.

No one is listening to me.
Nobody listens to me.
Who has broken my vase?
Who broke my vase?

If the subject is expressed by a collective noun ( family, police, committee, etc.), then if it denotes a group as something single, the predicate is used in the singular:

Our family is very friendly.
Our family is very friendly.
The committee has 2 meetings today.
The committee will hold two meetings today.

If you mean specific members of the group, then the predicate is used in the plural.

Our family lives in different cities.
Our family members live in different cities.
The committee requires separate suits in the hotel.
Committee members require separate hotel rooms.
We hope you understood the concept of predicate in the English grammar.

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