A sentence in English is not complete without a subject and a predicate. While the subject tells us who or what the sentence is about, the predicate gives information about what the subject is doing or what is being done to it. In some cases, a sentence may contain more than one verb or verb phrase that shares the same subject. This kind of structure is known as a compound predicate. Understanding the function and form of a compound predicate is important for improving both written and spoken communication in English, especially when aiming to be grammatically correct and stylistically effective.
Definition of a Compound Predicate
A compound predicate is a grammatical structure that consists of two or more verbs or verb phrases connected by a coordinating conjunction, all of which share the same subject. The subject is mentioned only once but is performing more than one action or is linked to more than one verb idea. This structure helps avoid repetition and keeps the sentence concise and clear.
Examples of Compound Predicates
Here are a few examples to illustrate how compound predicates function
- Sheopened the windowandlet in the fresh air.
- Tomwashed the dishesandcleaned the floor.
- The dogbarked loudlybutdid not bite.
- Theyran to the park,played soccer, andcame back tired.
In each example above, the subject (she, Tom, the dog, they) performs more than one action, and the actions are joined using coordinating conjunctions such as and” or “but.”
Structure of Compound Predicates
Compound predicates typically follow this format
Subject + Verb Phrase 1 + Coordinating Conjunction + Verb Phrase 2 (+ additional verbs if needed)
Coordinating conjunctions play a crucial role in connecting the verbs. The most commonly used conjunctions in compound predicates include
- and
- but
- or
- nor
- so
- yet
Why Use Compound Predicates?
Compound predicates serve several useful purposes in writing and speech
- Eliminate redundancyInstead of repeating the subject multiple times, compound predicates allow the subject to be stated once and then followed by multiple actions.
- Create flowUsing a compound predicate helps keep the sentence fluid and more interesting to read.
- Provide detailThey allow the writer or speaker to include more information about what the subject is doing without constructing multiple sentences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing Compound Subjects with Compound Predicates
It’s important not to confuse a compound subject (two or more subjects sharing the same verb) with a compound predicate (one subject with two or more verbs). Compare the two
- Compound subjectJohn and Sarah went to the store.
- Compound predicateSarah went to the store and bought groceries.
In the first example, there are two subjects (John and Sarah) and one predicate. In the second, there is one subject (Sarah) and two actions she performs.
2. Misusing Conjunctions
When joining two or more verb phrases in a compound predicate, make sure the verb phrases make sense together and are grammatically correct. An incorrect conjunction or mismatch in tense can create a sentence that feels awkward or confusing.
Types of Verbs in Compound Predicates
Compound predicates can contain various verb types, including
- Action verbsHejumpedandran.
- Linking verbsShewas tiredbutseemed happy.
- Modal verbsTheyshould callandask for help.
- Phrasal verbsShepicked upthe phone andhung upquickly.
Tense Consistency
Another point to keep in mind when using compound predicates is verb tense. Generally, the tenses should match unless you are intentionally indicating a shift in time. For example
- Correct Heate lunchandtook a nap.
- Intentional tense shift Shewas cookingwhen the phonerang.
In the second example, the change in tense is acceptable because it shows two different actions at different times in the past.
Expanding Sentences with Compound Predicates
Using compound predicates can help turn basic sentences into richer and more informative ones. Consider this basic sentence
He went to the store.
Now, with a compound predicate
He went to the store and bought some vegetables.
Even further expanded
He went to the store, bought some vegetables, and returned home before lunch.
This progression shows how compound predicates can enhance your writing by adding depth and clarity.
Compound Predicates in Complex Sentences
Compound predicates are not limited to simple sentences. They can appear in more complex sentence structures, especially those that contain subordinate clauses
After she finished her homework, she made dinner and watched her favorite show.
In this example, the main clause contains a compound predicate made dinner and watched her favorite show.
Practice and Recognition
To get better at identifying and using compound predicates, it’s useful to practice rewriting sentences. Try these exercises
- SimpleJames cleaned his room.
- Compound predicateJames cleaned his room and organized his bookshelf.
- SimpleThey sat at the table.
- Compound predicateThey sat at the table and started discussing their plans.
The more you work with sentence structures like this, the more fluent your grammar and writing skills will become.
Understanding what a compound predicate is and how to use it properly can significantly improve the quality of your English communication. Whether in writing or speaking, using compound predicates helps you deliver clear and informative messages without sounding repetitive. These structures allow you to describe multiple actions or states linked to the same subject efficiently and grammatically. By practicing and applying the concept regularly, you’ll find your ability to craft complex and effective sentences improves over time.