The predicate may consist of one word or several words. When the verb in the predicate is an intransitive verb, it alone can form the predicate.
- Dogs bark.
- Birds sing.
- The clouds are gathering.
- They have been playing.
The verb in the predicate may consist of one word or several words. When the sentence is in the simple present or simple past, the verb consists of just one word.
When the verb is an intransitive verb of incomplete predication, the predicate may consist of the verb and its complement.
- She seems happy.
- The sky grew dark.
- The house is to let.
When the verb is a transitive verb, the predicate may consist of the verb and its object.
- Birds build nests.
- I know him.
- The cat killed the rat.
- He shot the panther.
When the verb is a transitive verb having two objects, the predicate may consist of the verb and its two objects – indirect and direct.
- I promised him a present.
- He teaches us English.
- Father bought me a doll.
When the verb is a transitive verb of incomplete predication, the predicate may consist of the verb, its object and a complement.
- The jury found him guilty.
- The parents named him Christopher.
- He kept us waiting.