Is A Verb A Predicate: 5 Facts You Should Know

In this article, we would elucidate on interpretations that lead to the inference, that is a verb a predicate too.

A verb is commonly known as the “doing word”, which often informs the readers about a particular activity that a supposed noun does, whereas a predicate is that part of the sentence, that demonstrates the verb, i.e., the subject’s activity or whereabouts.

Can A Verb Be A Predicate?

Yes, a verb can be a predicate of a sentence, that informs the subject’s activity or elaborates on the subject’s activity.

Example: Chaya went hiking in the mountains.

In this example, ‘hiking’ is the verb, that suggests Chaya’s activity in the mountains. It is also the predicate of the sentence, as Chaya is the subject.

When Can A Verb Be A Predicate?

It is to be understood that, a sentence would always consist of a subject and a predicate. The subject would often be a noun, and the predicate would be a verb, explaining the subject’s actions or illustrating the noun’s actions.

Example: He works hard at his job, to sustain his family.

In this example, after the subject ‘He’ the rest of the sentence is the predicate. The verb here is ‘works’ which explains further that the noun/subject ‘He’ does the job to sustain his family.

Verb As A Predicate Examples

Let’s take a look at the following verb as a predicate examples to distinguish how a verb also works as the predicate in a sentence.

1. Max was teary-eyed when looking through old photographs.

In this example, Max is the subject/noun, and the rest of the sentence is the predicate. Now, the verb part in this predicate is “looking through” which also suggests why Max was teary-eyed in the first place. It is to be noted that distinguishing a predicate in the sentence, can be at times simple as well as complex.

2. Nina travels by air, but is often nervous while take-offs.

In this example, Nina is the subject/noun, and the verb is ‘travels’ and ‘nervous’ because take-offs make Nina nervous as well, the predicate is a bit complex here, suggesting the action as well as the emotion of the subject.

3. The tinkering of tools in the shed all on its own scared Karan.

In this example, Karan is the subject/noun, and the verb is ‘tinkering’ with tools that scare him, which is also the predicate of the sentence that illustrates Karan’s actions.

4. My grandparents gifted me a watch on my birthday.

In this example, the subject/noun is “my grandparents” and the predicate/verb is ‘gifted’. The subject action of ‘gifting’ is projected on the predicate, which also functions as the verb of the sentence.

5. Bobby’s cat plays in the garden all day.

In this example, the subject/noun is Bobby’s cat, and the predicate/verb is ‘plays.’ The activity of the cat playing in the garden suggests the predicate that includes the verb as well.

6. Hermits and sages meditate, hence living peaceful lives.

In this example, the subject is “hermits and sages” and the verb is ‘meditate’. The verb here is the predicate, given the fact that it provides more information about the subject’s action.

7. The books on the green shelf are to be given to charity.

In this example, the subject is “the books” and the acting verb is “to be given”. The verb here is the predicate, as it suggests the act of giving away the books to charity.

8. Internet has made it easy to keep in touch with old friends.

In this example, the subject is ‘internet’ and the acting verb is “keep in touch”. The verb here is the predicate because it illustrates the internet’s activity, of keeping in touch with old friends.

9. Tara would be going to Japan next year.

In this example, the subject is Tara and the verb is “going to”. The verb here is the predicate as it suggests the subject’s action of going to Japan next year.

10. Our pictures were clicked and we smiled.

In this example, the subject is “our pictures” and the verb is “clicked and we smiled”. The verb here is the predicate because it talks about the subject, and gives more information in action.

11. Childhood is all about making mistakes and learning from them.

In this example, the subject is ‘childhood’ and the verb is “making mistakes and learning”, which is also the predicate of the sentence, as it elaborates on what childhood is about.

12. Nature documentaries are often relaxing and soothing.

In this example, the subject is “nature documentaries” and the verb is “relaxing and soothing”, which is also the predicate of the sentence, as it justifies what effect the documentaries have on someone.

13. A tiger escaped from the city zoo and tormented the locals.

In this example, the subject is “a tiger” and the verb is ‘escaped’ and ‘tormented’. The verb is also the predicate because it describes the tiger’s actions and what they led to.

14. Dams conserve water for drought-like situations.

In this example, the subject is ‘dams’ and the verb here is ‘conserve’, which is also the predicate because it explains the nature of dams and their activities.

15. Sherlock Holmes series was one of the most streamed shows on television.

In this example, the subject is “Sherlock Holmes” and the verb here is “most streamed,” which is also the predicate as it elaborates on Sherlock Holmes being binged a lot of times.

16. Monica and her friends plant trees on Sundays.

In this example, the subject is “Monica and her friends” and the verb here is “plant trees,” which also acts as the predicate because it gives information about the subject’s actions.

17. I went biking in the countryside which was quite serene.

In this example, the subject is the speaker ‘I’ and the verb here is ‘biking’, which explains the subject’s activity in the serene countryside, hence that is the predicate as well.

18. Shaheed won second prize in essay writing.

In this example, the subject is ‘Shaheed’ and the verb here is ‘won’, which is the predicate of the sentence because it illustrates the subject’s activity.

19. The Annual Day of the school was called off, as the principal was ill.

In this example, the subject is “annual day” and the verb is “called off” which is also the predicate of the sentence as it implies the subject’s activity.

20. The employees assured that they can manage without week offs.

In this example, the subject is ‘employees’ and the verb here is “manage without” which is also the predicate of the sentence, as the verb elaborates on the subject’s decisions.

Predicate Vs Verb

A predicate is more of a clause and has additional information about the subject whereas a verb simply describes the subject’s action. Both may vary at times, but a verb is generally the predicate of the sentence.

Example:-

The pupa transformed into a butterfly.

Here, the verb is ‘transformed’ and the predicate is “transformed into a butterfly.” Both the verb and predicate elaborate on the subject pupa’s transformation, but a predicate is sort of an elongated clause, while the verb is just the action.

Conclusion

This article aims to distinguish as well as decipher how the verb also acts as the predicate of a sentence with the help of examples.