How to Identify a Simple Predicate

Simple predicate might seem basic, but they form the action core of every sentence you write. By identifying and strengthening your simple predicates, you’ll craft more dynamic, precise prose that engages readers and clearly communicates your ideas.

What is a Simple Predicate?

A simple predicate is the main verb in a sentence. It shows the action or state of being of the subject. The simple predicate does not include helping verbs, objects, or modifiers.

Let’s look at this sentence:

The excited dog barked loudly at the mailman.

The simple predicate is “barked.” It’s the main action that the dog (the subject) performs.

How to Find the Simple Predicate: Step by Step

Step 1: Find the Subject

First, ask “Who or what is the sentence about?” This will help you find the subject.

Example:

My brother plays basketball every weekend.

Ask: Who is this sentence about? Answer: My brother. That’s your subject.

Step 2: Ask What the Subject Does

Now ask, “What does the subject do?” or “What is the subject’s state of being?”

Continuing our example:

My brother plays basketball every weekend.

What does my brother do? He plays. That’s your simple predicate!

Step 3: Spot Helping Verbs (They’re Not Part of the Simple Predicate)

Helping verbs (is, am, are, was, were, has, have, had, will, would, can, could, etc.) work with the main verb. But they are NOT part of the simple predicate.

Example:

My sister has finished her homework.

The helping verb is “has.” The main verb is only “finished.”

Step 4: Don’t Include Objects or Complements

Objects and complements come after the verb, but they are not part of the simple predicate.

Example:

The chef cooked a delicious meal.

The main verb is “cooked.” The object “a delicious meal” is not part of it.

Step 5: Ignore Modifiers

Adverbs and other modifiers tell us how, when, or where something happens. They’re not part of the simple predicate.

Example:

She sings beautifully in the choir.

The core action word is “sings.” The adverb “beautifully” and the phrase “in the choir” are not part of it.

Practice Examples

Let’s try a few more examples to make sure you’ve got it:

1. The old car broke down on the highway.
   • Subject: The old car
   • Simple Predicate: broke
2. Many students have studied for the big test.
   • Subject: Many students
   • Simple Predicate: studied
3. My best friend and I walked to the new mall yesterday.
   • Subject: My best friend and I
   • Simple Predicate: walked
4. The tiny kitten sleeps on the soft blanket all day.
   • Subject: The tiny kitten
   • Simple Predicate: sleeps

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t include helping verbs.
   • Incorrect: The plane has landed.
   • Correct: The plane landed.
2. Don’t confuse a verb phrase with a simple predicate.
   • Verb Phrase: has been running
   • Simple Predicate: running
3. Watch out for compound predicates.
   • In “She laughed and cried,” there are two simple predicates: “laughed” and “cried.”

Quick Test: Can You Find These Simple Predicates?

1. The excited fans cheered loudly for their team.
2. My mother has baked cookies for the class party.
3. The small child fell and scraped his knee on the playground.
4. Your new phone should arrive tomorrow morning.
5. The museum will close early on Sunday.

(Answers: 1. cheered, 2. baked, 3. fell, scraped, 4. arrive, 5. close)

See more:

What is a Predicate? Examples and Simple Explanations