What Are They Doing?

Predicates and Word Order

In a sentence, a predicate tells what is happening or what someone is doing. The predicate usually comes second in a sentence. A predicate has a verb.

To find a predicate in a sentence, ask yourself: What is the subject doing?

photograph of a teenage girl at a table eating from a plate of nachos

This girl is eating nachos. She takes a big bite. She likes the soft and warm cheese. She thinks the peppers are too hot!

Build Sentences

Look at the pictures below. Add a predicate with a verb to make a complete sentence.

    Example

  • 1. The boy is eating ice cream.

  • 1. photograph of a boy eating an ice cream cone

    The boy ______.

  • 2. photograph of people dancing

    These friends ______.

  • 3. photograph of a man reading a book

    This teacher ______.

  • 4. photograph of a young woman drinking a glass of milk

    This woman ______.

Write Complete Sentences illustration of pen icon

5. Work with a partner. Write sentences about a family having dinner together. Remember to use this order: subject illustration of a short arrow verb.

    Example

  • 5. Matt’s family goes to a restaurant. Matt sits down at the table first. He reads the menu.