In every sentence, the subject needs something to complete the thought—something that tells us what the subject does or what it is. That part is called the predicate, and at the center of it is the simple predicate.
This article will explain what a simple predicate is, how to identify it, and how it differs from a complete predicate, using clear explanations and practical examples.
What Is a Simple Predicate?
A simple predicate is the main verb or verb phrase that tells what the subject does or is. It may be just one word or a group of words if helping verbs are included, but it does not include modifiers, objects, or complements.
The simple predicate answers the question: What is the subject doing? or What is the subject being?
Simple Predicate Examples:
- Sentence: The birds fly.
→ “Fly” is the simple predicate. It tells what the birds do. - Sentence: She has been working all morning.
→ “Has been working” is the simple predicate. It’s a verb phrase that shows ongoing action. - Sentence: The children were excited about the trip.
→ “Were” is the simple predicate. It’s the linking verb that connects the subject to more information.
Even when the sentence contains many descriptive words or details, the simple predicate stays focused on just the verb or verb phrase that shows the subject’s action or state.
Simple Predicate vs. Complete Predicate
A simple predicate is the verb or verb phrase only. A complete predicate, on the other hand, includes the verb plus all the words that go with it, such as objects, modifiers, and phrases that complete the idea.
Examples:
- Sentence: The manager approved the new policy quickly.
- Simple predicate: approved
- Complete predicate: approved the new policy quickly
- Sentence: They have been traveling across Europe for weeks.
- Simple predicate: have been traveling
- Complete predicate: have been traveling across Europe for weeks
- Sentence: The meal was delicious and filling.
- Simple predicate: was
- Complete predicate: was delicious and filling
The simple predicate focuses only on the core verb or verb phrase. The complete predicate gives the full picture of what is being said about the subject.
How to Identify a Simple Predicate
To find the simple predicate in a sentence, start by locating the verb—this is the word (or phrase) that shows what the subject does or is. If there’s a helping verb (like has, is, was, will), include that too. Then, exclude anything else that describes, modifies, or expands the sentence.
Steps:
- Find the subject – Who or what is the sentence about?
- Look for the verb or verb phrase – What is the subject doing or being?
- Exclude extra words – Ignore modifiers, objects, or phrases that don’t belong to the verb phrase itself.
Examples:
- Sentence: Mia wrote a short story last night.
→ Simple predicate: wrote - Sentence: They will be arriving soon.
→ Simple predicate: will be arriving - Sentence: The packages were delivered on time.
→ Simple predicate: were delivered
Even in longer sentences, the simple predicate remains focused on the main verb or verb phrase only—nothing more.
Simple Predicates in Different Sentence Structures
Simple predicates appear in all sentence types, whether the sentence makes a statement, asks a question, gives a command, or shows emotion. Recognizing the verb or verb phrase helps you spot the simple predicate, even when the sentence structure changes.
1. Declarative Sentences (statements)
- Sentence: The neighbors are moving away.
→ Simple predicate: are moving
2. Interrogative Sentences (questions)
- Sentence: Did your brother call?
→ Simple predicate: did call
(Helping verb + main verb)
3. Imperative Sentences (commands)
- Sentence: Please close the window.
→ Simple predicate: close
(Subject “you” is implied)
4. Exclamatory Sentences (strong emotion)
- Sentence: What a difference this has made!
→ Simple predicate: has made
FAQs About Simple Predicate
What is a simple predicate in a sentence?
A simple predicate is the main verb or verb phrase in a sentence. It tells what the subject does or is, without including any modifiers, objects, or extra details.
How do I identify the simple predicate in a sentence?
Look for the verb or verb phrase that shows the subject’s action or state. Ignore anything else that describes or expands the sentence.
Example: She is reading a novel. → Simple predicate: is reading
Can a sentence have more than one simple predicate?
No. A sentence can have a compound predicate (two or more verbs), but each verb in that case is part of a compound predicate, not two separate simple predicates.
What is the difference between a simple predicate and a complete predicate?
The simple predicate is just the verb or verb phrase. The complete predicate includes the verb plus everything else that adds meaning—objects, modifiers, and additional phrases.
Why is the simple predicate important?
The simple predicate is the core of the sentence. It connects the subject to the action or state and helps form a grammatically complete thought.