Simple Predicates, or Verbs Chapter 1.3

Here’s the Idea You have learned about the simple subject of a sentence. You also need to know about the simple predicate. The simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or words in the complete predicate. Hercules battles the nine-headed Hydra. What is the complete predicate? battles the nine-headed Hydra What is the simple predicate? battles

Look at this sentence. His nephew helps him in the struggle. What is the complete predicate? helps him in the struggle What is the simple predicate? helps

A verb is a word used to express an action, a condition, or a state of being. NOTE: A linking verb tells what the subject is. Greek Myths are timeless. are Linking Verb NOTE: An action verb tells what the subject does, even when the action cannot be seen. Hercules arrived in a foreign city. arrived Action you can see. The ruler disliked Hercules. disliked Action you cannot see.

Why It Matters in Writing The verb is the most important word in a complete predicate because it tells what the subject does or is. When describing an event, choose powerful verbs that will help your readers imagine the action. Example: The Hydra went at Hercules with one of its deadly heads. went Revision: The Hydra lunged at Hercules with one of its deadly heads. lunged