Understanding the components of a sentence is a fundamental part of mastering grammar. Among these components, the concept of a simple predicate plays a significant role. It’s one of the building blocks of a complete sentence and is essential in both written and spoken English. One question that often arises is whether the word is qualifies as a simple predicate. This inquiry might seem simple on the surface, but the answer requires a closer look at sentence structure and grammatical roles.
What Is a Simple Predicate?
To determine if is is a simple predicate, we must first understand what a simple predicate is. In grammar, the simple predicate refers to the main verb or verb phrase in a sentence. It expresses the essential action or state of being of the subject. It does not include modifiers or objects, but it may include auxiliary verbs (helping verbs) if they are part of the verb phrase.
For example, in the sentence She runs, the simple predicate is runs. It tells what the subject (she) does. In the sentence They are singing, the simple predicate is are singing, as both words are necessary to form the verb phrase.
The Role of Is as a Verb
The word is is a form of the verb to be. It is the third-person singular present tense form, used with subjects like he, she, or it. As a linking verb, is connects the subject to a subject complement, such as a noun, adjective, or phrase that describes or identifies the subject.
Consider the sentence: The sky is blue. In this sentence:
- The sky is the subject.
- Is is the linking verb.
- Blue is the subject complement describing the sky.
Here, is does not show an action but rather a state of being. Nonetheless, it plays a critical grammatical role, linking the subject to the description. This is where the question arises: is is the simple predicate in such a sentence?
Is Is a Simple Predicate?
Yes, in many cases, is does function as a simple predicate. When it is the only verb in the sentence and serves as the main verb, it fulfills the role of the simple predicate. Let’s analyze a few examples to make this concept clearer.
Example 1: He is tired.
- Subject: He
- Verb: Is
- Complement: Tired
In this sentence, is connects the subject he to the adjective tired. Since is is the main verb and there are no helping verbs or other verb elements, it serves as the simple predicate.
Example 2: She is a doctor.
- Subject: She
- Verb: Is
- Complement: A doctor
Here again, is acts as a linking verb. It connects she with a doctor. There is no other verb in the sentence, so is is the simple predicate.
When Is Is Part of a Compound Verb
There are cases when is is part of a larger verb phrase and not the simple predicate on its own. In such cases, it functions as part of a complete predicate, but not as the entire simple predicate.
Example: He is running.
- Subject: He
- Verb phrase: Is running
In this example, is is an auxiliary (helping) verb, and running is the main verb. Together, is running is a complete verb phrase, and the simple predicate would be is running, not just is. Thus, in sentences like this, is alone is not the simple predicate; it forms part of a verb phrase that acts as the simple predicate.
Distinguishing Between Simple and Complete Predicates
To avoid confusion, it is helpful to distinguish between the simple predicate and the complete predicate:
- Simple predicate: Only the main verb or verb phrase (e.g., is, runs, has gone).
- Complete predicate: Includes the verb and everything that follows it or modifies it (e.g., is blue, runs every morning, has gone to the store).
Therefore, if a sentence’s verb is simply is, and it is the only verb, then it is the simple predicate. But if is is followed by another verb (e.g., is eating), then the entire verb phrase is eating is the simple predicate, not is alone.
Why This Matters in English Grammar
Understanding that is can be a simple predicate is important in grammar instruction, sentence diagramming, and writing. It clarifies how verbs work, especially linking verbs, and helps learners identify essential sentence parts. It’s particularly useful for young students, ESL learners, and anyone aiming to write or speak with greater precision.
Linking verbs like is are subtle yet powerful tools in constructing meaningful sentences. Although they don’t describe a visible action like run or write, they express conditions, identities, and descriptions that are fundamental to communication.
Common Confusion About Linking Verbs and Action Verbs
Sometimes, people confuse linking verbs with action verbs. The verb is can never be an action verb. It always functions to link the subject with more information about the subject. That’s why in sentences where is is the only verb, it is grammatically accurate to classify it as a simple predicate.
More Examples:
- This is my favorite song. Simple predicate: is
- The weather is chilly today. Simple predicate: is
- It is becoming dark. Simple predicate: is becoming
In the third example, is becoming is the simple predicate because both words work together to form the verb phrase. In the first two, is alone is the complete verb and the simple predicate.
So, is is a simple predicate? The answer depends on its function in a sentence. When is is the only verb, serving as the main linking verb that connects the subject to a complement, it absolutely is the simple predicate. However, when is is used with another verb as part of a verb phrase (such as is walking, is talking, or is working), then the entire verb phrase becomes the simple predicate, not is alone.
In summary, is often functions as a simple predicate in many basic sentences and plays a vital grammatical role. Understanding its usage helps build a stronger foundation in sentence structure and improves both writing and comprehension in English. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or simply curious about grammar, recognizing the role of linking verbs like is enhances your ability to craft clear, accurate sentences.