What is a simple predicate?

A simple predicate is the verb (or verb phrase) in a sentence that tells what the subject does or is. It's the core action or state of being in the sentence.

Here's how to identify it:

1. Find the subject: The subject is usually the person or thing performing the action.

2. Ask "What does/is the subject do/be?": The answer to this question will be the simple predicate.

Examples:

* The dog barks. (The simple predicate is "barks" because it tells what the dog does.)

* The flowers are beautiful. (The simple predicate is "are beautiful" because it describes the state of being of the flowers.)

* She will sing a song. (The simple predicate is "will sing" because it tells what she will do.)

Key Points:

* The simple predicate can be a single verb or a verb phrase.

* It can be an action verb (like "run", "eat", "jump") or a linking verb (like "is", "seems", "becomes").

* It always contains the main verb of the sentence.

Understanding the simple predicate helps you analyze sentences and understand their structure.