A sentence doesn’t just need a subject—it also needs something that tells us what the subject does, says, feels, or is. That’s the role of the predicate. When we look beyond the verb alone, we get the complete predicate.
The complete predicate includes the main verb or verb phrase and everything that adds to it: objects, complements, and modifiers. In this article, you’ll learn what a complete predicate is, how to tell it apart from a simple predicate, and how to find it in different types of sentences.
What Is a Complete Predicate?
A complete predicate is the part of a sentence that includes the main verb or verb phrase along with all the words that complete its meaning. This can include objects, modifiers, prepositional phrases, and complements—anything that adds detail to what the subject is doing or being.
In simple terms, if the subject is who or what the sentence is about, the complete predicate is everything that tells us more about it, starting from the verb to the end of the sentence (or clause).
Complete Predicate Examples:
- Sentence: The volunteers packed the boxes with supplies.
→ Complete predicate: packed the boxes with supplies - Sentence: Her voice sounded calm and reassuring during the meeting.
→ Complete predicate: sounded calm and reassuring during the meeting - Sentence: They have been practicing for the concert since last week.
→ Complete predicate: have been practicing for the concert since last week
The complete predicate always begins with the verb and includes everything that follows it, as long as it relates directly to the subject’s action or condition.
Complete Predicate vs. Simple Predicate
The difference between a complete predicate and a simple predicate comes down to how much of the sentence you include.
- The simple predicate is just the main verb or verb phrase.
- The complete predicate includes the verb plus everything else that adds meaning, such as objects, adverbs, and phrases that follow.
Examples:
- Sentence: The team won the final match yesterday.
- Simple predicate: won
- Complete predicate: won the final match yesterday
- Sentence: She has been preparing for the interview all day.
- Simple predicate: has been preparing
- Complete predicate: has been preparing for the interview all day
- Sentence: The classroom was filled with bright posters and student artwork.
- Simple predicate: was
- Complete predicate: was filled with bright posters and student artwork
How to Identify a Complete Predicate
To find the complete predicate in a sentence, start by locating the main verb or verb phrase. Then, include all the words that belong to it, such as objects, modifiers, and additional details that help explain the verb.
Steps to follow:
- Find the subject – Ask: Who or what is this sentence about?
- Find the verb or verb phrase – What is the subject doing or being?
- Include everything after the verb – As long as it connects to the action or state, it’s part of the complete predicate.
Examples:
- Sentence: The artist sketched the city skyline during sunset.
→ Complete predicate: sketched the city skyline during sunset - Sentence: We will be meeting in the library after lunch.
→ Complete predicate: will be meeting in the library after lunch
Make sure not to include any part of the subject. The complete predicate always starts with the verb and includes everything tied to it.
Complete Predicates in Different Sentence Types
Complete predicates appear in all sentence types, but their structure can shift depending on whether the sentence is a statement, question, command, or exclamation. No matter the form, the complete predicate still starts at the verb and includes everything that follows, so long as it connects to the verb and adds meaning.
1. Declarative Sentence (statement)
- Sentence: The players arrived early and practiced before the game.
→ Complete predicate: arrived early and practiced before the game
2. Interrogative Sentence (question)
- Sentence: Did your friends enjoy the performance last night?
→ Complete predicate: did enjoy the performance last night
3. Imperative Sentence (command)
- Sentence: Take your books and start reading quietly.
→ Complete predicate: Take your books and start reading quietly
(Subject “you” is understood)
4. Exclamatory Sentence (emotion or emphasis)
- Sentence: What a great job they did on that project!
→ Complete predicate: did on that project
In each case, whether the sentence is direct, indirect, or inverted, the complete predicate includes the verb and everything that completes the thought about the subject.
Compound Predicates vs. Complete Predicates
A compound predicate includes two or more verbs (or verb phrases) that share the same subject. These verbs are usually joined by conjunctions like and, or, or but. A complete predicate can contain a single verb or a compound predicate, as long as it includes all the words related to the verb(s).
In other words, a compound predicate is often part of a complete predicate.
Examples:
- Sentence: The students took notes and asked thoughtful questions.
→ Compound predicate: took notes and asked thoughtful questions
→ Complete predicate: same (since it includes both verbs and all related words)
- Sentence: He washed the dishes, swept the floor, and fed the dog.
→ Compound predicate: three actions with one subject
→ Complete predicate: includes all three actions and their details
So while all compound predicates are part of complete predicates, not all complete predicates are compound. A complete predicate simply refers to the full verb-based part of the sentence, whether the action is single or multiple.
FAQs About Complete Predicate
What is a complete predicate in grammar?
A complete predicate includes the main verb or verb phrase and all the words that complete its meaning, such as objects, complements, and modifiers.
How is a complete predicate different from a simple predicate?
The simple predicate is just the verb or verb phrase. The complete predicate includes the verb and everything else that explains what the subject does or is.
Can a sentence have two complete predicates?
No. A sentence typically has one complete predicate, although it may contain a compound predicate (two or more actions). All the verbs and their related words still form one complete predicate tied to the same subject.
How do I find the complete predicate in a long sentence?
Start at the main verb and include all the words that belong to it—objects, prepositional phrases, modifiers—until the sentence shifts to a new clause or idea.