Predicate of a Sentence

A predicate is what is being said about the subject in a sentence. In other words, it describes what is happening.

1. A predicate is a verb with several other words.

Here, Jennifer is the subject and made the brownies is the predicate. It is the verb made with the words the and brownies.

Similarly,

Here, Mom is the subject and cooks a good meal is the predicate. It is the verb cooks with the words a, good and meal.

2. Sometimes, the predicate can be only a verb.

Here, the predicate is simply the verb sleeps.

Here, the predicate is simply the verb listens.

Tip: To figure out what the predicate is, first identify the subject of the sentence. Then, look at the rest of the sentence to see what the subject is doing.

Here, Mary is the subject.

What is she doing?

She is playing the violin. So, this is the predicate.

Similarly,

Here, the subject is Lindsay.

What is she doing?

She opens the bag. So, this is the predicate.