What is a Complete Predicate? Examples and Definition | 98thPercentile

ElevatEd
English
April 29, 2025

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful interaction, and clear writing is essential for conveying ideas and expressing thoughts. One crucial element of clear writing is understanding the concept of a complete predicate. In this essay, we will delve into the definition, examples, and importance of complete predicates in sentence structure.

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Definition of a Complete Predicate

A complete predicate is the part of a sentence that contains the verb and provides information about the subject. It includes the main verb, any auxiliary verbs, and any objects, complements, or modifiers that receive the action of the verb. In simpler terms, a complete predicate tells us what the subject is doing or what is happening to the subject.

Examples of Complete Predicates

Let's consider some examples to illustrate the concept of complete predicates:

In the sentence "She is writing a novel," "is writing a novel" is the complete predicate.

In the sentence "The dog is running quickly," "is running quickly" is the complete predicate.

In the sentence "The teacher gave the students a homework assignment," "gave the students a homework assignment" is the complete predicate.

Types of Complete Predicates

Here are some examples of complete predicates with breakdowns:

Example 1: Simple Predicate

Sentence: "She is singing."

Main Verb: "is singing" (The verb "is" is an auxiliary verb, and "singing" is the main verb)

Subject: "She"

Complete Predicate: "is singing" (The complete predicate includes the main verb and the auxiliary verb)

Example 2: Predicate with Auxiliary Verb

Sentence: "They have eaten breakfast."

Main Verb: "eaten" (The verb "eaten" is the main verb)

Auxiliary Verb: "have" (The verb "have" is an auxiliary verb that helps form the present perfect tense)

Subject: "They"

Object: "breakfast"

Complete Predicate: "have eaten breakfast" (The complete predicate includes the main verb, auxiliary verb, and object)

Example 3: Predicate with Object

Sentence: "He is writing a letter."

Main Verb: "writing" (The verb "writing" is the main verb)

Auxiliary Verb: "is" (The verb "is" is an auxiliary verb that helps form the present continuous tense)

Subject: "He"

Object: "a letter"

Complete Predicate: "is writing a letter" (The complete predicate includes the main verb, auxiliary verb, and object)

Example 4: Predicate with Complement

Sentence: "She is a doctor."

Main Verb: "is" (The verb "is" is the main verb)

Subject: "She"

Complement: "a doctor" (The phrase "a doctor" is a complement that completes the meaning of the verb)

Complete Predicate: "is a doctor" (The complete predicate includes the main verb and the complement)

Example 5: Predicate with Modifier

Sentence: "They are singing loudly."

Main Verb: "singing" (The verb "singing" is the main verb)

Auxiliary Verb: "are" (The verb "are" is an auxiliary verb that helps form the present continuous tense)

Subject: "They"

Modifier: "loudly" (The adverb "loudly" is a modifier that provides additional information about the verb)

Complete Predicate: "are singing loudly" (The complete predicate includes the main verb, auxiliary verb, and modifier)

Importance of Complete Predicates

Complete predicates play a vital role in sentence structure and effective communication. They help to:

Provide clarity and specificity about the action or state described by the verb

Ensure correct verb agreement and sentence grammar

Create more engaging and descriptive writing

In conclusion, a complete predicate is a crucial element of sentence structure that provides information about the subject and the action or state described by the verb. Understanding the definition, examples, and types of complete predicates can help you construct more effective sentences and communicate your ideas with clarity and precision.

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FAQs

Q1: Can a complete predicate be a phrase?

Ans: Yes, a complete predicate can be a phrase, such as a verb phrase or a prepositional phrase.

Q2: How do I determine if a word or phrase is a complete predicate?

Ans: To determine if a word or phrase is a complete predicate, ask yourself: "What is the verb, and what information does it provide about the subject?" If the word or phrase answers this question, it is likely the complete predicate.

Q3: What is the difference between a complete predicate and a simple predicate?

Ans: A simple predicate is the main verb or verb phrase in a sentence, while a complete predicate includes the main verb, auxiliary verbs, and any objects, complements, or modifiers.

Q4: Can a complete predicate be a phrase?

Ans: Yes, a complet--------------------------e predicate can be a phrase, such as a verb phrase or a prepositional phrase.

Q5: What is the function of an auxiliary verb in a complete predicate?

Ans: An auxiliary verb helps form the tense, mood, or voice of the main verb in a complete predicate.

Q6: How do I identify the complete predicate in a sentence?

Ans: To identify the complete predicate, look for the verb and any accompanying words or phrases that provide information about the subject. Ask yourself: "What is the verb, and what information does it provide about the subject?"