From the structural point of view there are two main types of predicate: the simple predicate and the compound predicate. Both these types may be either nominal or verbal, which gives four sub-groups: simple verbal, simple nominal, compound verbal, compound nominal.
Compound verbal predicates ( 䳺 ) may be further classified into phasal, modal and of double orientation. Compound nominal predicates ( ) may be classified into nominal proper and double nominal.
46. The Simple predicate.
The simple verbal predicate 䳺
The simple verbal predicate is expressed by:
1. A verb in a synthetic or analytical form.
John runs quickly.
I was sent in to get my tea.
Perhaps you will even remember that woman.
When did life begin on earth?
I didnt care about the consequence.
Dont come too late.
2. A verb phrase (a phraseological equivalent of a verb denoting one action).
Here belong:
a) Phrases denoting single actions:
to have a look, to have a smoke, to have a talk, to give a look, to give a laugh, to give a cry, to take a look, to make a move, to make a remark, to pay a visit, etc.
They comprise a transitive verb and a deverbal noun with the indefinite article.
Nurse Sharp gave him a look and walked out.
The man gave a violent start.
Did you have a sleep?
Its time we were making a move.
b) Phrases denoting various kinds of actions. In most cases they comprise an abstract noun used with no article but often preceded by an attribute:
to change one's mind, to get rid (of), to get hold (of), to lose sight (of), to make fun (of), to make up one's mind, to make use (of), to take care (of), to take leave (of), to take part (in), etc.
I have never taken much interest in German songs.
She paid little heed to what was going on in the world outside.
Are you taking part in the concert?
The simple nominal predicate
The simple nominal predicate is expressed by a noun, or an adjective, or a verbal, it does not contain a link verb, as it shows the incompatibility of the idea expressed by the subject and that expressed by the predicate; thus in the meaning of the simple nominal predicate there is an implied negation.
He a gentleman! !
You a bother! Never. - ! , !
Fred, a priest! !
Rondal, jealous! - ! ( !)
Nick, dishonest! - ! !
Such an old lady to come so far! !
Sentences with the simple nominal predicate are always exclamatory evidently owing to the implication of a negation or of an evaluation.
The predicate is mostly commad off (separated by a comma), but a comma is not regarded as a strict rule.
These predicates are used in colloquial English, although not frequently.
The simple nominal predicate can be expressed by:
A noun.
My son a clergyman!
She, a nun!
Me, a liar!
An adjective.
My ideas obsolete!
Ronnie, good-looking!
You sad!
