Is verb or phrase sometimes called simple predicate?

Yes, the verb or verb phrase in a sentence is sometimes called the simple predicate.

Here's why:

* Predicate: The predicate of a sentence tells us something about the subject. It includes the verb and any objects, complements, or modifiers that relate to the verb.

* Simple Predicate: The simple predicate is the core of the predicate – the verb itself or the verb phrase.

Example:

* Sentence: The dog barked loudly.

* Subject: The dog

* Predicate: barked loudly

* Simple Predicate: barked

Important Note: The simple predicate might be a single verb or a verb phrase.

* Single Verb: "The bird sings." ("sings" is the simple predicate)

* Verb Phrase: "The children are playing in the park." ("are playing" is the verb phrase and the simple predicate)