Complete Predicate
* Definition: The complete predicate is the part of a sentence that tells what the subject does or is. It includes the verb and all the words that modify the verb or complete its meaning.
* Think of it as: The action or state of being, along with all the details about how, when, where, or why it happens.
* Example:
* Sentence: The cat slept peacefully on the sunny windowsill.
* Complete Predicate: slept peacefully on the sunny windowsill.
Simple Predicate
* Definition: The simple predicate is just the verb (or verb phrase) within the complete predicate. It's the core action or state of being.
* Think of it as: The main verb that drives the sentence's meaning.
* Example:
* Sentence: The cat slept peacefully on the sunny windowsill.
* Simple Predicate: slept
Let's look at some more examples:
| Sentence | Complete Predicate | Simple Predicate |
|---|---|---|
| The dog barked loudly at the mailman. | barked loudly at the mailman. | barked |
| The birds are singing beautifully in the morning. | are singing beautifully in the morning. | are singing |
| She will be going to the concert tonight. | will be going to the concert tonight. | will be going |
Key Point: The complete predicate provides a full picture of the action or state of being, while the simple predicate gives you the essential verb that drives the sentence.