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Predicate |
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The predicate is the central constituent of a sentence. It always consists of at least one finite verb form (= verb form having a specific person and number). Every sentence has a predicate. The predicate largely determines the structure of a sentence. It governs the other constituents of the sentence.
Predicate = central constituent of the sentences
The predicate is the central constituent of a sentence. It always consists of at least one finite verb form (= verb form having a specific person and number). The predicate largely determines which other constituents can or must be present in the sentence. For example:
The verb geben requires three different "roles":
| the role of the giver |
| the role of the receiver |
| the role of what is given |
The verb geben also determines, which role has to be played by which constituent. The predicate gibt requires:
| Role |
Constituent |
Example |
| giver |
subject |
der Großvater |
| receiver |
dative object |
dem Enkel |
| gift |
accusative object |
einen Euro |
The verb form gibt determines that the sentence
Der Großvater gibt dem Enkel einen Euro.
has a subject, a dative object and an accusative object. In contrast, the subject der Großvater, for example, does not determine that the sentence has a dative and an accusative object.
Simple and complex predicates
Simple predicates
A predicate always consists of at least one finite verb form (= verb form having a specific person and number):
Der Großvater gibt dem Enkel ein Bonbon.
Du fährst viel zu schnell.
Es regnet.
Kühe fressen Gras.
The predicates in this examples are simple predicates, i.e. they consist of one single verb form.
Complex predicates
Predicates often consist of more than one wordform:
Der Großvater hat dem Enkel ein Bonbon gegeben.
Du solltest nicht so schnell fahren.
Es hört auf zu regnen.
Predicatives
Predicatives are a special kind of parts of a sentence. Some grammars treat them as parts of the predicate, others treat them as separate constituents.
Er wird Lehrer.
Kühe sind Wiederkäuer.
Sie findet das Buch interessant.
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Predicate
