When a predicate consists of more than one word, there is always one key word that is the main action. This key word is called a simple predicate.

• The nurse rested in the lounge.
• The lady smiled sweetly.

In the above sentences, rested and smiled are the key words as they are the verbs that show the action done by the subject.

Therefore, rested and smiled are the simple predicates.

The simple predicate and all the other words that add more information to it form a complete predicate.

Hence, rested in the lounge and smiled sweetly are the complete predicates.

• My father sings and dances before a delighted audience.

In the above sentence, the key words or the verbs showing action are sings and dances.

The predicate in the sentence is composed of two verbs showing different actions performed by the subject. These verbs make up the compound predicate. They are joined by and or or.

All the highlighted words in the predicate form the complete predicate.