simple predicate of the following and explain why

Question

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

Answer 1

Here are the simple predicates for each of the sentences you provided, along with explanations of why they are considered the simple predicates:

3. don't want

   • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb phrase that tells what Jack and Jim are doing. "Don't want" is the main action they are refusing to perform.

4. scampered

   • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb that describes the action of the subject "a frightened rabbit." "Scampered" captures the main action of the sentence.

5. are devising

   • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb phrase that indicates what manufacturers are doing. "Are devising" is the action that shows the ongoing process of creating new products.

6. could be purchased

   • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb phrase that expresses the possibility regarding the car. "Could be purchased" indicates what is being inquired about.

7. will be served

   • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb phrase that conveys what will happen regarding dinner. "Will be served" tells us about the action concerning dinner.

8. must seek

   • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb phrase indicating what unemployed airline workers are required to do. "Must seek" expresses the necessity of finding new jobs.

9. didn't do

   • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb phrase indicating what Mary did not do. "Didn't do" is the action that is in question, focusing on the dishes.

10. have been

    • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb phrase that describes Steve and Alice's experience. "Have been" encompasses the main action regarding their travels to Paris.

11. is

    • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb that describes the subject "seeing the statue of liberty for the first time." In this case, "is" functions as a linking verb connecting the subject to its description (the awe-inspiring experience).

12. hose off

    • Explanation: The simple predicate is the verb phrase indicating what should be done with the car. "Hose off" is the action being instructed.

In summary, a simple predicate consists of the main verb or verb phrase of a sentence that expresses the action or state of being, without any accompanying subjects or modifiers.