Review: The Predicate
Now, using the same sentences, identify the predicate.
Question 1
His terror of spiders kept him out of the dark basement.
Answer
"Kept him out of the dark basement" is the predicate because it contains the verb "kept" and it tells us something about the subject, "his terror of spiders."
Question 2
There will be three concerts in the arts centre tonight.
Answer
"There will be...in the arts centre tonight" is the predicate because it contains the verb "will be" and it tells us something about the subject, "three concerts."
Question 3
Would you willingly exchange half your intelligence for one million dollars?
Answer
"Would ... willingly exchange half your intelligence for one million dollars" is the predicate because it contains the verb "would exchange" and it tells us something about the subject, "you."
Question 4
Despite the storm's destructiveness, the ship, with its crew of amateurs, might have survived in more experienced hands.
Answer
"Despite the storm's destructiveness,...might have survived in more experienced hands" is the predicate because it contains the verb "might have survived" and it tells us something about the subject, "the ship, with its crew of amateurs."
Question 5
After the movie, Emma and her brother bought a birthday present for their mother.
Answer
"After the movie,...bought a birthday present for their mother" is the predicate because it contains the verb "bought" and it tells us something about the subject, "Emma and her brother."
Written by Frances Peck