simple predicate of the following

3. Jack and Jim don't want to enter the spelling contest
4. across the meadow scampered a frightened rabbit with a yapping dog not far behind
5. manufacturers are constantly devising new products for world markets
6. could a car like this be purchased for less than 18,000
7. will dinner be served after the meeting or before
8. unemployed airline workers must seek new jobs in other areas
9. why didn't Mary do the dishes after supper
10. have Steve and alice really been to Paris three times
11. seeing the statue of liberty for the first time is a truly awe-inspiring experience
12. hose off the car before soaping it

1 answer

Here are the simple predicates for each of the provided sentences:

  1. don't want
  2. scampered
  3. are devising
  4. be purchased
  5. be served
  6. must seek
  7. do
  8. have been
  9. is
  10. hose off

A simple predicate consists of the verb or verb phrase that tells what the subject does or is.