Compound Predicate - A Complete Guide

Curious to learn compound predicates? Let's go then! A compound predicate is defined as a type of predicate which has two or more predicates shared by a single subject. The problem doesn't end here. Continue to learn compound predicate definition, types, rules and examples elucidated in the article. 

In English grammar, understanding sentence structure is essential for effective, standard and persuasive communication. Among the various parts that a sentence contains, the predicate part plays a very important role as it conveys what the subject is or is doing in the sentence. 

When you go into the depth of predicates, you'll find the following three types of predicate:

1. Simple predicate 

2. Compound predicate 

3. Complete predicate

Like those of simple and complete predicates, the concept of compound predicate plays a pivotal role in a sentence, adding layers of meaning and expressing detailed information.  

This essay aims to explore: 

• Importance of compound predicate in English
• Compound predicate definition and meaning
• Types of compound predicates
• How to form compound predicate?
• Uses and functions of compound predicates
•  FAQs - Compound Predicate

Compound Predicate - Meaning and Definition 

What is a compound predicate? A compound predicate is a type of predicate that has two or more verbs or verb phrases and one subject. In simple language, a compound predicate consists of two or more verbs or verb phrases which share the same subject and are joined by a conjunction such as "and," "or," or "but." 

So, according to the above-given definition, a compound predicate:

1. is a type of predicate 

2. has a single subject 

3. has two or more verbs or verb phrases

4. brings clarity to sentences

Compound Predicate Examples

1. John sings and dances.

2. I can both speak and write English. 

3. She researches and produces articles. 

In the above-mentioned examples, the highlighted verbs are compound predicate which share one subject only. 

A compound predicate is contrasted with a simple predicate, because a compound predicate has two or more verbs or verb phrases which share a single subject, whereas a simple predicate consists of only one verb or verb phrase. 

Look at the examples below where example 1 is an example of simple predicate, example 2 is an example of compound predicate. 

1. Simple Predicate: Smith sings.

2. Compound Predicate: John sings and dances.

In the first sentence, the verb "sings" forms a simple predicate, illustrating that the subject "Smith" performs one action. 

However, in the second sentence, the verbs "sings and dances" form a compound predicate, showing that the subject, "John," performs two actions.

Types of Compound Predicates in English

Compound predicates can be classified into two main types based on the type and nature of the verbs used:

1. Co-ordinated verbs: This type of compound predicate involves verbs that are of equal syntactical importance and are linked by coordinating conjunctions like "and," "or," or "but." That is, two past tense, present tense or future tense verbs will form a compound predicate. 

For example:

1. Smith ran to the store and bought some groceries.

2. Sofia can stay here or leave.

2. Auxiliary and main verbs: This type of compound predicate contains a combination of auxiliary or helping verbs and main verbs. This type of sentence structure often appears in more complex tenses and voices. 

For example:

1. They have finished their homework and are watching TV now.

2. John and Smith were singing and dancing all night.

Note: These types of compound predicates (where auxiliary verbs and main verbs form compound predicates) allow speakers and writers to convey more detailed and varied information within a single sentence which enhances both clarity and expressiveness within the sentence.

Also read: Verbs and Their Types

Uses and Functions of Compound Predicates

Compound predicates are used to render several important functions in both spoken and written English. The uses and functions of compound predicates are discussed below.

1. Briefness and Conciseness: 

By using compound predicates, you can avoid redundancy and achieve conciseness in your sentences; that is, the use of compound predicates helps you make your sentences brief and concise and avoid multiple sentences. 

Compare example 1 with example 2 where the first has two different sentences with two subjects, whereas the second has only one sentence and one subject. 

For example:

1. John went to the market. He bought some groceries.

2. John went to the market and bought some groceries.

2. Clarity and Clearness: 

The use of compound predicates ensures clarity in your sentences; that is, when you use compound predicates, you link two or more related actions together performed by the same subject. This helps the reader understand your sentences with great clarity and zero ambiguity. 

For example:

• John worked hard and cleared the entrance test.

The above-mentioned example sentence clearly shows the cause-and-effect relationship between John's working hard and cleared the test.

3. Multiplicity of Actions: 

As compound predicates contain two or more actions, they can show multiplicity of actions performed by the same subject. The example below shows that the subject "I" performed multiple actions one after the other. 

For example:

• I went to the department, met the professor and attended the classes. 

How to Form Compound Predicates?

To form compound predicates, you need to follow some easy and careful steps such as ensuring the same subject, appropriate conjunctions, verbs of equal syntactical significance and logical connection.  Here are the essential steps to make compound predicates in English:

Step 1: Make sure that the verbs share the same subject:

Make sure that the two or more verbs used in the compound predicate share the same subject. 

 

For example:

Correct: The policeman chased and arrested the criminal.

Incorrect: The policeman chased and the criminal arrested.

Step 2: Use appropriate conjunctions:

Ensure that you use the appropriate conjunctions to logically connect the two or more actions in the compound predicates. 

 

For example:

Correct: Sofia will go to Paris and visit the Louvre.

Incorrect: Sofia will go to Paris but visit the Louvre.

Step 3: Maintain syntactical importance of verb tenses:

Make sure that the two or more verbs used in the compound predicates are of equal syntactical importance; that is, both or all the verbs should be either in present tense or past tense or future tense.

For example:

Correct: Sofia cleaned the kitchen and cooked breakfast. 

Incorrect: Sofia cleans the kitchen and cooked breakfast.

Step 4: Make sure that the connection is logical:

The actions described by the verbs in compound predicates must be logically connected and coherent within the context of the sentence. 

For example:

Logical: John watched a comedy movie scene and burst into laughter.

Illogical: John watched a comedy movie scene and burst into tears. 

Why Care about Compound Predicate? 

Compound predicates help you express detailed information in a concise way, allowing you to add two or more actions performed by the same subject. Therefore, Understanding compound predicates is important for the following reasons: 

1. Effective Way of Communication:

Compound predicates allow you to communicate your thoughts in an effective way which is ideal in all types of communications such business, academic or professional communications. 

2. Greater Expressiveness:

Compound predicates allow you to express detailed descriptions which is very important in order to keep the readers or listeners engaged. 

3. Sufficient Info Delivery:

Compound predicates allow you to deliver sufficient information in an efficient way. You can give several pieces of information using compound predicates. 

Summary: Compound Predicate

A compound predicate consists of two or more actions or states performed by the same subject. Compound predicates are used in English for the sake of clarity, conciseness and expressiveness, allowing the writers to express detailed information through linking different logical actions. 

 

Understanding the formation and usage of compound predicates is very important for those who are looking for enhancing their oral and written communications. Be it a professional, academic, business or informal communication, the use of compound predicates makes those communications engaging and effective. 

FAQs - Compound Predicate 

What is a compound predicate?

A compound predicate means the type of predicate which has two or more actions performed by the same subject as in "John sings and dances." 

Compound predicate definition 

A compound predicate is defined as the type of predicate that has two or more actions or states expressed by two or more verbs or verb phrases and one subject as in "Sofia speaks and writes."

Examples of compound predicate in sentences 

1. John speaks and writes.

2. Farman sings and dances.

3. Hamid cooks and eats. 

4. Ramzan will go to the gym and work out. 

5. Sofia will travel to the US and study.