What is Predicate?
The predicate is the part of a clause or sentence that says something about the subject and includes the main verb plus any objects, complements, or modifiers attached to it.
What good predicate looks like
Well-formed predicates make the action or state easy to follow, keep essential complements close to the verb, and avoid burying the main point inside unnecessary modifiers.
- Identify the subject first.
- Everything in the clause that states what the subject does, is, has, or experiences belongs to the predicate.
- Distinguish the simple predicate, usually the main verb or verb phrase, from the complete predicate.
A practical structure to follow
Use these elements as a decision checklist, not as a rigid formula. The exact wording should still fit the reader, context, and purpose.
- Identify the subject first.
- Everything in the clause that states what the subject does, is, has, or experiences belongs to the predicate.
- Distinguish the simple predicate, usually the main verb or verb phrase, from the complete predicate.
How to write predicate step by step
- 1Find the grammatical subject.
- 2Locate the main verb or verb phrase.
- 3Include objects, complements, and relevant modifiers in the complete predicate.
- 4Check whether the verb requires a complement to complete its meaning.
- 5Shorten the predicate if too many interruptions make the action hard to follow.
8 Predicate examples
Read the examples for structure and choices rather than copying surface wording. Notice what stays consistent and what changes with audience or purpose.
The editor revised the opening overnight. — Predicate: revised the opening overnight.
The hallway became unusually quiet after noon. — Predicate: became unusually quiet after noon.
The team has been testing the new checkout flow. — Predicate: has been testing the new checkout flow.
Her main concern is the missing source note. — Predicate: is the missing source note.
The old bridge collapsed during the storm. — Predicate: collapsed during the storm.
They gave the intern a detailed checklist. — Predicate: gave the intern a detailed checklist.
Predicate templates
Replace every bracketed field with situation-specific information. A template is a starting structure, not finished copy.
[Subject] [verb + object/complement].
[Subject] [linking verb] [subject complement].
[Subject] [verb] [indirect object] [direct object].
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating only the final word as the predicate.
- Separating a required complement from the verb during analysis.
- Letting a long predicate hide the sentence's central action.
Final revision checklist
- Does the opening make the purpose clear quickly?
- Is every important claim, detail, or example doing a distinct job?
- Could a reader misunderstand any pronoun, transition, time reference, or instruction?
- Is the tone appropriate for the relationship and situation?
- Can you remove repetition without removing necessary context?
- If the writing contains factual claims, names, dates, quotations, or citations, have you verified them independently?
Questions about Predicate
What is Predicate?
The predicate is the part of a clause or sentence that says something about the subject and includes the main verb plus any objects, complements, or modifiers attached to it.
What makes Predicate effective?
Well-formed predicates make the action or state easy to follow, keep essential complements close to the verb, and avoid burying the main point inside unnecessary modifiers.
How do I write Predicate?
Start with the purpose and reader, then work through the structure in order. Draft for meaning first, check the examples for pattern, and do a final revision for clarity, accuracy, tone, and unnecessary repetition.
What should I avoid when writing Predicate?
Treating only the final word as the predicate. Separating a required complement from the verb during analysis. Letting a long predicate hide the sentence's central action.