Sometimes a sentence needs more than one action to express a complete thought. Instead of repeating the subject, we use a compound predicate—a structure that allows one subject to do two or more things within the same sentence.
What Is a Compound Predicate?
A compound predicate is made up of two or more verbs or verb phrases that share the same subject. These verbs are connected by a coordinating conjunction such as and, or, or but. Together, they show that the subject is doing more than one thing in the same sentence.
Compound predicates are useful when you want to avoid repeating the subject unnecessarily.
Compound Predicate Examples:
- Sentence: The teacher explained the topic and answered our questions.
→ “Explained the topic and answered our questions” is the compound predicate. - Sentence: Jenna cleaned the kitchen, set the table, and served dinner.
→ Three actions by the same subject = compound predicate. - Sentence: You can stay here or leave whenever you’re ready.
→ “Can stay here or leave whenever you’re ready” is the compound predicate.
The subject stays the same, but the verbs change, creating a sentence that’s more concise and fluid.
Compound Predicate vs. Compound Sentence
It’s easy to confuse a compound predicate with a compound sentence, but they’re not the same. The difference lies in how many subjects and clauses the sentence has.
- A compound predicate has one subject performing multiple actions.
- A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, each with its subject and verb, usually joined by a coordinating conjunction.
Examples:
- Compound Predicate:
Sentence: The athlete stretched and ran a few laps.
→ One subject (The athlete)
→ Two verbs (stretched and ran)
→ Compound predicate - Compound Sentence:
Sentence: The athlete stretched, and her coach gave instructions.
→ Two subjects (The athlete, her coach)
→ Two independent clauses
→ Compound sentence
How to Identify a Compound Predicate
To identify a compound predicate, start by finding the subject of the sentence. Then look for two or more verbs or verb phrases that are connected by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but) and share that subject.
Steps to follow:
- Find the subject – Who or what is the sentence about?
- Locate the verbs or verb phrases – What actions or states are being described?
- Check if they share the same subject – If yes, they form a compound predicate.
Examples:
- Sentence: Liam checked the schedule and sent a reminder email.
→ Subject: Liam
→ Compound predicate: checked the schedule and sent a reminder email - Sentence: They can wait here or go ahead without us.
→ Subject: They
→ Compound predicate: can wait here or go ahead without us - Sentence: The doctor entered the room, greeted the patient, and reviewed the chart.
→ One subject, three actions = compound predicate
A quick test: if removing the repeated subject would change the meaning or make the sentence ungrammatical, it’s likely a compound sentence. If not, and the subject applies to all the actions, it’s a compound predicate.
Compound Predicates in Different Sentence Structures
Compound predicates can appear in any type of sentence. Whether it’s a statement, a question, a command, or an exclamation, the structure still allows a single subject to carry out multiple actions.
1. Declarative Sentence (statement)
- Sentence: The engineer tested the prototype and submitted the report.
→ Compound predicate: tested the prototype and submitted the report
2. Interrogative Sentence (question)
- Sentence: Did your brother call the restaurant and make a reservation?
→ Compound predicate: call the restaurant and make a reservation
3. Imperative Sentence (command)
- Sentence: Turn off the lights and lock the door before you leave.
→ Subject is implied (you), compound predicate: turn off the lights and lock the door
4. Exclamatory Sentence (strong feeling)
- Sentence: What a day—we missed the bus and forgot our tickets!
→ Compound predicate: missed the bus and forgot our tickets
No matter how the sentence is structured, if there’s one subject followed by two or more related actions, you’re looking at a compound predicate.
Common Mistakes with Compound Predicates
While compound predicates are straightforward, a few common mistakes can confuse sentence structure or lead to punctuation errors. Here’s what to watch for:
Repeating the subject unnecessarily
Incorrect: The manager reviewed the budget, and the manager signed the report.
Better: The manager reviewed the budget and signed the report.
Using a comma between two verbs
Incorrect: She cooked dinner, and cleaned the kitchen.
→ No comma is needed when verbs share the same subject.
Correct: She cooked dinner and cleaned the kitchen.
To avoid these errors, always check: Is there one subject? Are the verbs joined by a coordinating conjunction? If so, you’re dealing with a compound predicate, and commas usually aren’t necessary.
FAQs About Compound Predicate
What is a compound predicate in grammar?
A compound predicate includes two or more verbs or verb phrases that share the same subject. These actions are usually joined by a coordinating conjunction like and, or, or but.
How is a compound predicate different from a compound sentence?
A compound predicate has one subject doing multiple actions. A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, each with its subject and verb.
Can a sentence have both a compound subject and a compound predicate?
Yes. A sentence can have multiple subjects and multiple verbs.
Example: Emma and Jake packed the bags and loaded the car.
How do I identify a compound predicate?
Find the subject, then look for two or more verbs that are connected by a conjunction and relate to that single subject.