Grammar: Predicate Forms

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What are Predicate Forms?

Similar to subjects having different forms, predicate forms are the parts of a sentence that contain the verb and any objects or modifiers that are directly connected to the verb. They describe what the subject of the sentence is doing or what is being done to the subject. For example, in the sentence "She is running quickly," the predicate form is "is running quickly."


Predicates with Transitive Verbs

Predicates with transitive verbs are an essential part of a sentence that conveys the action performed by the subject on an object. In simple terms, a transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

The action of the verb is directed towards a specific object. For instance, consider the sentence "John kicked the ball." In this sentence, "kicked" is the transitive verb, "John" is the subject performing the action, and "the ball" is the direct object receiving the action. Together, they form the predicate of the sentence, conveying complete information about the action being performed.

Transitive verbs add depth and clarity to a sentence by providing more context and details about the action being described. Without a direct object, the meaning of a transitive verb may be incomplete or ambiguous, highlighting the importance of including a direct object to form a complete predicate.

Overall, predicates with transitive verbs play a crucial role in conveying the relationship between the subject, verb, and object in a sentence, helping to communicate the action being performed effectively.

Some examples:

  1. The dog chased the cat.
  2. The teacher taught the students.
  3. The chef cooked the meal.
  4. The scientist discovered a new species.
  5. The athlete broke the world record.


Predicates with Linking Verbs


Predicates with linking verbs are special because they do not show action like other types of predicates. Instead, they connect the subject of the sentence to a noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject. Linking verbs, such as "be", "seem", "appear", "become", and others, help to establish a relationship between the subject and the complement, rather than showing an action taking place. This type of predicate is essential in providing more information about the subject, such as its state of being or characteristics.


Some examples:

  1. She is happy.
  2. They are tired.
  3. He feels sick.
  4. The flowers look beautiful.
  5. The dog seems healthy.


Predicates with Intransitive Verbs


Predicates with intransitive verbs are special because they do not require a direct object to complete the meaning of the sentence. Intransitive verbs express action or a state of being that does not transfer to an object. This means that the subject of the sentence is the sole focus of the action or state described by the verb. Intransitive verbs typically describe actions that are complete in themselves, such as "sleep," "arrive," "laugh," or "run."


Furthermore, predicates with intransitive verbs often convey a sense of movement or change that is contained within the subject itself. This can add a dynamic quality to the sentence and make it more concise and impactful.


Overall, predicates with intransitive verbs offer a simpler and more straightforward way to express actions or states without the need for a direct object, making them a unique and important aspect of sentence structure in language.


Some examples:

  1. She sleeps peacefully every night.
  2. The children laughed loudly at the joke.
  3. The birds chirped happily in the trees.
  4. The waves crashed loudly against the shore.
  5. The leaves rustled gently in the wind.


Compound Predicates and Verb Completions


Compound predicates are special because they consist of two or more verbs that are connected by a conjunction, such as "and" or "or". This allows for a more complex and nuanced expression of actions or states.


Verb completion predicates, on the other hand, are special because they consist of a main verb and an auxiliary verb that helps complete the meaning of the main verb. The auxiliary verb can be a modal auxiliary (like "can", "will", or "might") or a form of the verb "to be" (like "is", "was", or "are"). This construction adds depth and specificity to the action or state described by the main verb.

Some examples:

  1. She cooked dinner and washed the dishes.

  2. He ran to the store and bought some groceries.

  3. The dog barked loudly and chased the cat.

  4. The car stopped suddenly and skidded on the road.

  5. The kids watched a movie and ate popcorn.