Exercise 3, Item 4: Identify the complete predicate and the verb in 'On the boardwalk, a glass blower was demonstrating her craft.'

Complete Predicate: On the boardwalk . . . was demonstrating her craft | Verb (Simple Predicate): was demonstrating (Note: The introductory prepositional phrase 'On the boardwalk' modifies the verb 'was demonstrating' and is part of the complete predicate.)

Exercise 3, Item 9: Identify the complete predicate and the verb in 'Under the circumstances, a pair of cutoffs and sandals would not be in the best of taste.'

Complete Predicate: Under the circumstances . . . would not be in the best of taste | Verb (Simple Predicate): would be (Note: The adverb 'not' is part of the complete predicate, but it is NOT part of the verb phrase 'would be'.)

Exercise 3, Item 10: Identify the complete predicate and the verb in 'Among the pine tree's dark and shining branches waited one very hungry owl.'

Complete Predicate: Among the pine tree's dark and shining branches waited | Verb (Simple Predicate): waited (In this inverted sentence, the complete predicate comes before the complete subject 'one very hungry owl'.)

What is the difference between a simple predicate and a complete predicate in Warriner's Handbook Sixth Course Chapter 2?

According to Rule 2d, the simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or word group (a one-word verb or a verb phrase) that tells something about the subject. The complete predicate consists of the simple predicate (verb) plus all the words and word groups used to modify the simple predicate and to complete its meaning.

Why are introductory phrases like 'On the boardwalk' (Item 4) or 'In the lower left-hand corner' (Item 6) part of the complete predicate?

Introductory prepositional phrases that tell where, when, or under what conditions an action occurs modify the verb. Because the complete predicate includes the verb and all words or phrases that modify it, an introductory adverbial phrase is part of the complete predicate—even though it is placed at the beginning of the sentence before the subject.

In Exercise 3, Item 9 ('would not be in the best of taste'), why is 'not' part of the complete predicate but not underlined as part of the verb?

The word 'not' is an adverb modifying the verb phrase 'would be'. Because the simple predicate (verb) includes only helping verbs and main verbs, 'would be' is underlined as the verb. However, because the complete predicate includes the verb and all its modifiers, 'not' is included inside the complete predicate.

Holt Traditions Warriner's Handbook Sixth Course Chapter 2: Complete Predicates & Verbs Answers (Exercise 3)

Holt Traditions • Warriner's Handbook • Sixth Course

Chapter 2: The Simple Predicate & Complete Predicate (Rule 2d & Exercise 3)
Complete Grammar Guide & Interactive Answer Key

Grammar • Usage • Mechanics • Sentences

Identifying Complete Predicates and Verbs • Split & Inverted Predicates • Interactive Self-Check

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What Is the Difference Between a Simple Predicate and a Complete Predicate?

In Chapter 2 (Rule 2d) of Holt Traditions: Warriner's Handbook, Sixth Course, the predicate is the part of a sentence that tells something about the subject. Grammar divides the predicate into the simple predicate (verb) and the complete predicate:

1. Simple Predicate (Verb)

Definition: The main word or word group (a one-word verb or a verb phrase made of a main verb plus helping verbs) that tells something about the subject.
Examples: were surrounded • answered • surged • does deserve • would be

2. Complete Predicate

Definition: Consists of the simple predicate (verb) plus all the words and phrases (adverbs, prepositional phrases, and complements) used to modify the verb and complete its meaning.
Examples: were surrounded by admirers • certainly does deserve consideration among the scientific community

3. Split & Inverted Complete Predicates

Definition: When a sentence begins with an introductory phrase modifying the verb, or when a question places the subject after the helping verb, the complete predicate wraps around or precedes the subject.
Examples: In an hour-long press conference, [the players] graciously answered reporters' questions. • Should [the statistician] have included these figures in the tally?

Academic Honor Code & Ethical Study Policy

Important Notice for Students, Parents, and Educators: This comprehensive grammar guide and interactive answer key is published strictly for educational help, academic support, self-checking, and concept mastery—NOT for cheating or copying homework. Study the complete and simple predicate rules below, identify the complete predicate and underline the verb in Exercise 3 on your own first, and then click Click to Show Answer below each item to check your work.

Complete Lesson Explanation: The Simple Predicate and the Complete Predicate (Rule 2d)

Rule 2d: The simple predicate, or verb, is the main word or word group that tells something about the subject.
The simple predicate may be a one-word verb or a verb phrase (a main verb with one or more helping verbs). The complete predicate consists of the simple predicate and all of the words used to modify the simple predicate and to complete its meaning.

1. Textbook Model Breakdowns (Simple Predicate vs. Complete Predicate)

Model 1 (Verb Phrase + Prepositional Phrase):
• SIMPLE PREDICATE (VERB): The victorious athletes were surrounded by admirers.
• COMPLETE PREDICATE: The victorious athletes were surrounded by admirers.

Model 2 (Introductory Prepositional Phrase + Verb + Direct Object):
• SIMPLE PREDICATE (VERB): In an hour-long press conference, the players graciously answered reporters' questions.
• COMPLETE PREDICATE: In an hour-long press conference, the players graciously answered reporters' questions. (Notice that "In an hour-long press conference" tells when/where the players answered, so it is part of the complete predicate!)

Model 3 (Identical Simple and Complete Predicate):
• SIMPLE PREDICATE (VERB): The crowd surged.
• COMPLETE PREDICATE: The crowd surged. (The complete predicate and the simple predicate may be the same if no words modify or complete the meaning of the simple predicate.)

{alertInfo}Important Textbook NOTE: In Holt Traditions: Warriner's Handbook and Elements of Language, the term verb generally refers to the simple predicate (a one-word verb or a verb phrase) unless otherwise indicated.

2. Four Essential Rules for Solving Exercise 3

Rule A — Everything Not in the Complete Subject Belongs to the Complete Predicate: Every word in a simple sentence belongs to either the complete subject or the complete predicate. Once you isolate the complete subject (whom or what the sentence is about), every remaining word in the sentence is part of the complete predicate!
Rule B — Include Introductory Adverbial Phrases in the Complete Predicate: In Items 4, 6, and 9 ("On the boardwalk, a glass blower...", "In the lower left-hand corner, a legend...", and "Under the circumstances, a pair of cutoffs and sandals..."), the introductory prepositional phrases modify the verb. Therefore, they belong to the complete predicate, making the complete predicate discontinuous (split into two parts on either side of the subject).
Rule C — Watch Out for Questions (Interrogative Sentences): In questions like Example 1 ("Will you be joining us for dinner tonight?"), Item 3 ("Should the statistician have included these figures in the tally?"), and Item 7 ("When will the armadillo cross the solid white line?"), the subject sits in the middle of the verb phrase. Both the words before the subject and the words after the subject belong to the complete predicate.
Rule D — How to Handle Adverbs Like certainly and not: Adverbs that modify the verb (such as certainly in Item 1, When in Item 7, and not in Item 9) ARE part of the complete predicate, but they are NOT underlined as part of the verb (simple predicate)!

{alertWarning}Common Exam Trap in Item 10 (Inverted Sentence): In Item 10 ("Among the pine tree's dark and shining branches waited one very hungry owl"), the subject one very hungry owl comes at the very end of the sentence! Therefore, the complete predicate is Among the pine tree's dark and shining branches waited.

Exercise 3: Identifying Complete Predicates and Verbs (Items 1–10)

Directions: Identify each complete predicate in the following sentences. Then, underline each verb.

Textbook Example 1. Will you be joining us for dinner tonight?
Answer: 1. Will be joining us for dinner tonight (Complete Predicate: Will be joining us for dinner tonight • Verb: Will be joining)

1 This new theory certainly does deserve consideration among the scientific community.

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