The Sentence and Its Parts Simple Predicates, or Verbs

The Simple Predicate, or Verb The simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or words in the complete predicate. In the following sentence, the simple predicate, or verb, is underlined. Many people have interesting hobbies. Have = verb Have interesting hobbies is the complete predicate

Verb Phrases The simple predicate can be a single word as in the previous sentence, or it can be a verb phrase, as in the sentence below. Hobbies can entertain you for years. Can entertain = verb phrase Can entertain you for years is the complete predicate

Verbs Verbs are used to express actions, conditions, or states of being. Linking verbs tell what the subject is. Action verbs tell what the subject does, even when the action cannot be seen.

Practice Identifying Simple Predicates, or Verbs Underline the simple predicate, or verb, in each sentence. One popular hobby is stamp collecting. Some people collect stamps from one country only. Others save stamps from around the world. Stamp collectors like rare or unusual stamps.

Try It! Underline the simple predicate, or verb, in each of the following sentences. Hobbies fill many leisure hours. Your favorite hobby depends on your interests and skills. Some hobbies develop into a lifetime activity. People collect antiques, dolls, or autographs.

Writing Simple Predicates, or Verbs On the next slide, choose one of the provided words to complete each sentence. Write the simple predicate, or verb, on the line.

build collect glue buy research listen cut follow thread write Crafters _____ instructions step by step as they work. Some people _____ poetry as a hobby. Jewelry makers _____ bags of colored beads at the craft store. Collage makers _____ images on a surface with a special paste. Music lovers _____ to their favorite songs over and over.