Within the predicate, individual verbs perform specific grammatical functions. The six grammatical functions performed by verbs within the predicate are:
- Predicate
- Progressive
- Perfect
- Passive
- Modal
- Operator
Both native speakers and ESL students must learn the six functions to properly construct predicates in both spoken and written English.
Verbs as Predicates
The first grammatical function that verbs can perform within the predicate is the predicate. A predicate is defined as a word or phrase that expresses the action performed by or condition of the subject. For example, the following italicized verbs function as predicates:
- A puppy ate the sweet potato.
- My brother is washing the dishes.
- The patient has swallowed the pill.
All clauses must contain a verb functioning as a predicate. The verb functioning as the predicate is also the head of the verb phrase.
Verbs as Progressives
The second grammatical function that verbs can perform within the predicate is the progressive. A progressive is defined as an auxiliary verb that expresses the progressive aspect. The progressive aspect expresses incomplete or ongoing actions or conditions at a specific time. The auxiliary verb that can function as the progressive is the verb be. For example, the following italicized verbs function as progressives:
- The student is alerting the teacher.
- Our neighbors were listening to loud music.
- She had been closing the windows when the storm hit.
Progressives must appear with predicates and can also appear with perfects, passives, and modals.
Verbs as Perfects
The third grammatical function that verbs can perform within the predicate is the perfect. A perfect is defined as an auxiliary verb that expresses the perfect aspect. The perfect aspect expresses the consequences resulting from a previous action or condition. The auxiliary verb that can function as the perfect is the verb have. For example, the following italicized verbs function as perfects:
- The parents have finally named the baby.
- The general had misled his troops.
- My brother has sold his car.
Perfects must appear with predicates and can also appear with progressives, passives, and modals.
Verbs as Passives
The fourth grammatical function that verbs can perform within the predicate is the passive. A passive is defined as an auxiliary verb that expresses the passive voice. The passive voice is a grammatical voice that moves the direct object of an active sentence into the subject position. The auxiliary verb that can function as the passive is the verb be. For example, the following italicized verbs function as passives:
- The cookies have been eaten by the children.
- The crops were harvested last week.
- The house is being painted by professionals.
Passives must appear with predicates and can also appear with progressives, perfects, and modals.
Verbs as Modals
The fifth grammatical function that verbs can perform within the predicate is the modal. A modal is defined as an auxiliary verb that expresses modality. Modality expresses possibility, necessity, and contingency. The nine auxiliary modal verbs that can function as modals are can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.
- You may borrow the car tonight.
- By the time I could start, you will have already finished.
- You must wash your hands before eating.
Modals must appear with predicates and can also appear with progressives, perfects, and passives.
Verbs as Operators
The sixth grammatical function that verbs can perform within the predicate is the operator. An operator is defined as an auxiliary verb that facilitates the expression of a negation, interrogatives, and emphasis. The auxiliary verb that can function as the operator is the verb do. For example, the following italicized verbs function as operators:
- Do you like cucumbers?
- He does not care for acorn squash.
- The baby sure did enjoy the pumpkin puree!
Operators must appear with predicates but cannot appear with other auxiliary verbs.
The six functions of verbs within the verb phrase functioning as the predicate are predicate, progressive, perfect, passive, modal, and operator. Both native English speakers and ESL students must learn the six functions in order to fully and correctly form predicates in both spoken and written English.
Sources
Kosur, Heather Marie. "The Form-Function Method for Teaching Grammar: Learning English Grammar by Studying Grammatical Form and Function." Suite 101. 16 Apr. 2009. Suite 101. 5 Aug. 2009.
Heather Marie Kosur - About Me I earned a BA in English studies with a minor in creative writing from Illinois State University in May 2007 and an MS in ...
Join the Conversation