Learn on PengiElements of Language, 2nd CourseChapter 1: The Parts of a Sentence: Subject and Predicate, Kinds of Sentences

Lesson 3: The Predicate

In this Grade 5 grammar lesson from Elements of Language, 2nd Course, students learn to identify the complete predicate, simple predicate (verb), and compound verb in sentences. The lesson covers how predicates can appear at the beginning, end, or divided positions within a sentence, and explains that words like "not" and "never" are not verbs even when attached to them. Students practice underlining complete predicates and verbs through exercises involving statements, questions, and commands.

Section 1

Complete Predicate

Definition

The predicate of a sentence tells something about the subject.

Explanation

Think of the complete predicate as everything that's happening or being described in the sentence, minus the subject! It's the 'what's going on' part. Sometimes it's all at the end, but it can also be at the beginning or even split into two parts to surround the subject!

Examples

  • Clean your room now, please. [Clean your room now, please tells something about the understood subject you.]
  • In the garage sat an old, dusty bicycle. [In the garage sat tells something about the subject bicycle.]
  • Shouldn't we finish our project before the party? [Shouldn't finish our project before the party tells something about the subject we.]

Section 2

Simple Predicate (Verb)

Definition

The simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or word group that tells something about the subject.

Explanation

The simple predicate is the heart of the predicate—it’s the main action or state of being! It can be a single word or a whole team of words working together as a verb phrase. Just remember, words like 'not' and 'never' are not part of the verb team, even if they're right next to it!

Examples

  • *Maria baked a cake for her friend.* [The word baked is the main word that tells something about the subject Maria.]
  • *Maria had been baking a cake for her friend every week.* [The word group had been baking is the main word group that tells something about the subject Maria.]
  • *The puppy couldn't find its toy.* [The parts of the verb did find are separated by the contraction n't.]

Section 3

Compound Verb

Definition

A compound verb consists of two or more verbs that have the same subject.

Explanation

A compound verb is when one subject does more than one action! It's like a superhero performing multiple feats in a single sentence. These verbs are joined by connecting words like 'and,' 'or,' or 'but.' It's all about one subject doing multiple things.

Examples

  • He ran and jumped over the puddle. [Both ran and jumped tell something about the subject He.]
  • The artist will sketch, paint, and frame the portrait. [The verbs sketch, paint, and frame all tell what the subject artist will do.]
  • Will Mara come to the party or stay home? [Both come and stay are possible actions for the subject Mara.]

Book overview

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Chapter 1: The Parts of a Sentence: Subject and Predicate, Kinds of Sentences

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Sentence or Sentence Fragment?

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  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: The Subject

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  3. Lesson 3Current

    Lesson 3: The Predicate

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  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Classifying Sentences by Purpose

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Lesson overview

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Section 1

Complete Predicate

Definition

The predicate of a sentence tells something about the subject.

Explanation

Think of the complete predicate as everything that's happening or being described in the sentence, minus the subject! It's the 'what's going on' part. Sometimes it's all at the end, but it can also be at the beginning or even split into two parts to surround the subject!

Examples

  • Clean your room now, please. [Clean your room now, please tells something about the understood subject you.]
  • In the garage sat an old, dusty bicycle. [In the garage sat tells something about the subject bicycle.]
  • Shouldn't we finish our project before the party? [Shouldn't finish our project before the party tells something about the subject we.]

Section 2

Simple Predicate (Verb)

Definition

The simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or word group that tells something about the subject.

Explanation

The simple predicate is the heart of the predicate—it’s the main action or state of being! It can be a single word or a whole team of words working together as a verb phrase. Just remember, words like 'not' and 'never' are not part of the verb team, even if they're right next to it!

Examples

  • *Maria baked a cake for her friend.* [The word baked is the main word that tells something about the subject Maria.]
  • *Maria had been baking a cake for her friend every week.* [The word group had been baking is the main word group that tells something about the subject Maria.]
  • *The puppy couldn't find its toy.* [The parts of the verb did find are separated by the contraction n't.]

Section 3

Compound Verb

Definition

A compound verb consists of two or more verbs that have the same subject.

Explanation

A compound verb is when one subject does more than one action! It's like a superhero performing multiple feats in a single sentence. These verbs are joined by connecting words like 'and,' 'or,' or 'but.' It's all about one subject doing multiple things.

Examples

  • He ran and jumped over the puddle. [Both ran and jumped tell something about the subject He.]
  • The artist will sketch, paint, and frame the portrait. [The verbs sketch, paint, and frame all tell what the subject artist will do.]
  • Will Mara come to the party or stay home? [Both come and stay are possible actions for the subject Mara.]

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 1: The Parts of a Sentence: Subject and Predicate, Kinds of Sentences

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Sentence or Sentence Fragment?

    LearnPractice
  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: The Subject

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  3. Lesson 3Current

    Lesson 3: The Predicate

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  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Classifying Sentences by Purpose

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