Predicate in Modern English Grammar and Ways of Expressing it on the basis of "Pride and Prejudice"

They attacked him in various ways--with barefaced questions, ingenious suppositions, and distant surmises; but he eluded the skill of them all, and they were at last obliged to accept the second-hand intelligence of their neighbour, Lady Lucas. [1, p.10]

The two predicates out of three containing in the present example are simple verbal predicates, both expressed by the synthetic past tense forms of the verbs `to attack' and `to elude'.

He had entertained hopes of being admitted to a sight of the young ladies, of whose beauty he had heard much; but he saw only the father. [1, p.10]

The complex-compound sentence above includes three predicates. Two out of three are the examples of the simple verbal predicate. The first two predicates - `had entertained' and `had heard' are expressed by the analytical past tense form of the verbs `to entertain' and `to hear'; while thw latter on is expressed by a synthetic form of the verb `to say'

The ladies were somewhat more fortunate, for they had the advantage of ascertaining from an upper window that he wore a blue coat, and rode a black horse. [1, p.10]

The synthetic past tense form of the finite verb `to have' - `had' performs the function of the simple verbal predicate; and the simple verbal-predicates `wore' and `rode' are also simple verbal predicates which are expressed by synthetic past tense forms of the irregular verbs.

She could not imagine what business he could have in town so soon after his arrival in Hertfordshire; and she began to fear that he might be always flying about from one place to another, and never settled at Netherfield as he ought to be. [1, p.11]

There is only one simple verbal predicate in this sentence, that is `settled', which is expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the verb `to settle'.

Lady Lucas quieted her fears a little by starting the idea of his being gone to London only to get a large party for the ball; and a report soon followed that Mr. Bingley was to bring twelve ladies and seven gentlemen with him to the assembly. [1, p.11]

The synthetic past tense forms of the finite verbs `to quiet' and `to follow' perform the function of the simple verbal predicate.

The girls grieved over such a number of ladies, but were comforted the day before the ball by hearing, that instead of twelve he brought only six with him from London--his five sisters and a cousin. [1, p.11]

There are two simple verbal predicates in the present example. The former, `grieved', is expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the finite verb `to grieve'; while the second predicate is an analytical past tense form of the verb `to comfort'.

And when the party entered the assembly room it consisted of only five altogether-- Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, the husband of the eldest, and another young man. [1, p.11]

The two finite verbs which, both expressed by a synthetic past tense form, function as simple verbal predicate - `entered' and `consisted'.

Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners. [1, p.11]

The finite verb in the subordinate clause is expressed by the synthetic past tense form of the verb `to have' which performs the function of the simple verbal predicate.

YOU are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room. [1, p.13]

This is a simple sentence with the simple verbal predicate which is expressed by an analytical present tense form of the finite verb `to dance'.

Which do you mean? [1, p.13]

This is a simple sentence, where the position of the predicate is occupied by the analytical present tense form of the verb `to mean' to perform the function of the simple verbal predicate.

When Mr. Collins said anything of which his wife might reasonably be ashamed, which certainly was not unseldom, she involuntarily turned her eye on Charlotte. [1, p.196]

The simple verbal predicate in this sentence is expressed by the synthetic past tense form of the verb `to turn' -`turned'.

Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt's ill-breeding, and made no answer. [1, p.218]

Though the predicate in this sentence is not expressed by only one word-morpheme, this is not a compound predicate, but a simple verbal predicate expressed by the form phrase `made no answer' denoting one action `to answer', hence it is a simple verbal predicate.

The world is blinded by his fortune and consequence…[1, p. 475]

The simple verbal predicate in this sentence is expressed by the analytical present simple passive tense form of the verb `to blind -`is blinded'.

As to what restraint the apprehensions of disgrace in the corps might throw on a dishonourable elopement with her, I am not able to judge; for I know nothing of the effects that such a step might produce. [1, p.347]

The simple verbal predicate `know' is expressed by the synthetic present tense form of the verb `to know'.

Conceal the unhappy truth as long as it is possible, I know it cannot be long.

[1, p.342]

There are two simple verbal predicates in the sentence that are expressed by the synthetic forms of the verb.

I was only confused for the moment, because I felt that I SHOULD be looked at. [1, p.408]

One of the predicates in the sentence `felt' is a simple verbal predicate expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the verb `to feel'.

…Elizabeth could easily perceive that her spirits were affected by it.

[1, p.409]

One of the predicates in the sentence `were felt' is a simple verbal predicate expressed by analytical form of the verb `to affect'.

In a few days Mr. Bingley to returned, Mr. Bennet's visit, and sat about ten minutes with him in his library. [1, p.409]

The predicate of the principle sentence “return” compound predicate

Mr. Bennet treated the matter differently. [1, p.409]

The predicate of the sentence `treated' is a simple verbal predicate expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the verb to treat'.

Elizabeth tells her father that Darcy was responsible for uniting Lydia and Wickham. [1, p.409]

One of the predicates in the sentence `tells' is a simple verbal predicate expressed by a synthetic form of the verb `to affect'.

In the spring, Elizabeth visits Charlotte and Mr Collins in Kent.

The predicate is `visits'; it is a simple verbal predicate expressed by a synthetic form of the verb `to visit'. [1, p.409]

Elizabeth joined them again only to say that her sister was worse, and that she could not leave her. [1, p.49]

The sentence is a complex one comprising three clauses; hence there are more than two predicates. The predicate in the principle clause `joined' is a simple verbal predicate expressed by a synthetic form of the verb.

Elizabeth joined them again only to say that her sister was worse, and that she could not leave her.

The predicate of the principle clause. `joined' is a simple verbal predicate expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the verb `to join'

62. She has heard a rumour that Elizabeth will marry Mr. Darcy and attempts to persuade Elizabeth to agree not to marry.

The analytical present tense form of the verb `to be' - `has heard” - performs the function of the simple verbal predicate in the sentence

The evening altogether passed off pleasantly to the whole family. [1,p. 14]

`Passed off' is a compound verbal predicate, it consists of the phrasal verb pass off'.

Elizabeth had hoped that his resentment might shorten his visit, but his plan did not appear in the least affected by it. [1,p. 145]

The simple verbal predicate `had hoped' is expressed by the analytical past tense form of the verb `to hope'.

Soon after their return, a letter was delivered to Miss Bennet; it came from Netherfield. [1,p. 146]

This compound sentence has got two predicates: the predicate in the first clause is simple verbal one expressed by the analytical form of the verb `was delivered'; while the predicate in the second coordinate clause being also a simple verbal one is expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the finite veb - `came'.

Caroline is incapable of willfully deceiving anyone; and all that I can hope in this case is that she is deceiving herself. [1, p.150]

The predicate in the predicative clause `is deceiving' is the simple verbal one expressed by the analytical present tense form of the verb `to deceive'.

Elizabeth was sitting with her mother and sisters, reflecting on what she had heard, and doubting whether she was authorized to mention it, when Sir William Lucas himself appeared, sent by his daughter, to announce her engagement to the family. [1, p.160]

There are four simple verbal predicates in this complex sentence. The three of them - `was sitting', `had heard' and `was authorized'- are expressed by analytical forms of the verb, while the rest one - `appeared' - is expressed by a synthetic form of the verb.`.

3.2 Types and Ways of Expressing Compound Predicate in Modern

3.2.1 The Ways of Expressing Compound Nominal Predicate

… her sister was worse, and that she could not leave her. [1,p. 49]

The predicate of the first subordinate clause `was worse' is a compound nominal predicate expressed by a past tense form of the link-verb and the predicative expressed by an adjective.

“Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humor, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character.” [1,p.49]

The verb `was so odd a mixture' is compound nominal predicate that consist of the verb `to be' in the past tense form `was' and the noun `odd a mixture'.

The village of Longbourn was only one mile from Meryton; a most convenient distance for the young ladies, who were usually tempted thither three or four times a week, to pay their duty to their aunt and to a milliner's shop just over the way. [1,p. 34]

The example is a complex sentence comprising two clauses, hence two subject-predicate units. The predicate in the principle clause is a compound nominal predicate, comprising a past tense form of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by a noun phrase `one mile'. The predicate in the subordinate clause is also a compound nominal predicate comprising a past tense for of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative is expressed by past participle of the verb `to tempt'.

Their brother, indeed, was the only one of the party whom she could regard with any complacency. [1,p.42 ]

The predicate `was the only one' is a compound nominal predicate which comprises the past active tense form of the link verb `to be'- `was'- and the predicative expressed by a nominal phrase `the only one'.

Lydia was a stout, well-grown girl of fifteen, with a fine complexion and good-humored countenance; a favorite with her mother, whose affection had brought her into public at an early age. [1,p.42 ]

The predicate in the principle clause is a compound nominal predicate expressed by a past tense form of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by a noun phrase `a stout well-grown girl of fifteen'. The predicate in the subordinate clause `had brought' is expressed by an analytical form of the verb.

Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and felt persuaded of her sister's ready acquiescence. [1,p.178 ]

There are two homogeneous compound nominal predicates; the former is expressed by a past tense form of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by past participle of the predicative `pleased' (from `to please'), as well as `felt persuaded', which is expressed the past tense form of the link-verb `to feel' and past participle of the nominal part of the predicate `persuaded' ( from `to persuade').

After walking two or three times along that part of the lane, she was tempted, by the pleasantness of the morning, to stop at the gates and look into the park. [1,p. 243]

The predicate `was tempted' is a compound nominal predicate consisting of a past tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `was'- and the predicative expressed by the past participle of the verb `to tempt'.

Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr.Bingley. [1,p. 6]

The predicate `was among the earliest' is a compound nominal predicate which comprises the past active tense form of the link verb `to be'- `was'- and the predicative expressed by a nominal phrase `among the earliest'.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. [1, p.2]

The verb-predicate `is a truth' is a compound nominal predicate which consists of the present synthetic form of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by a noun in common case `truth'.

You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley may like you the best of the party. [1, p.3]

The example above is a compound-complex sentence and has several predicates. The predicates `will be better' and `are as handsome' are compound nominal predicates expressed by an analytical future tense form of the link-verb `to be' and a nominal phrase with the adjective in the first case, while the latter compound nominal predicate consists of a synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by the adjective `handsome'.

You are over-scrupulous, surely. [1, p.4]

The predicate in the sentence is compound verbal expressed by the synthetic form f the link-verb `to be' and the predicative is expressed by an adjective.

I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy. [1,p.4]

The analytical future tense of the link-verb `to be' - `will be' - and predicative expressed by an adjectival phrase comprise the compound nominal predicate.

She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her. [1,p.6]

The predicate of the sentence `is a selfish, hypocritical woman', the compound nominal predicate, consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`is' - and a noun phrase ` a selfish, hypocritical woman'.

Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted with him myself; how can you be so teasing? [1, p.7]

The predicate of the sentence `am not acquainted', being the compound nominal predicate, consists of the synthetic present tense negative form of the link-verb `to be' -`am not' - and the predicative is expressed by the past participle `acquainted'.

A fortnight's acquaintance is certainly very little. [1, p.7]

The predicate of the sentence `is very little', being the compound nominal predicate, consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`is' - and the predicative is expressed by the nominal phrase with the adjective `very little'.

One cannot know what a man really is by the end of a fortnight. [1, p.7]

The predicate of the sentence `what is', being the compound nominal predicate, consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`is' - and the predicative is expressed by the conjunctive pronoun `what'.

For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read great books and make extracts. [1, p.7]

The predicate of the sentence `are a young lady of deep reflection', being the compound nominal predicate, consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`are' - and the predicative is expressed by the nominal phrase with the noun `a young lady of deep reflection'.

I am sick of Mr. Bingley. [1, p.8]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `am sick' consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`am' - and the predicative is expressed by the adjective `sick'.

It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now. [1, p.8]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `is very unlucky' consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`is' - and the predicative is expressed by the nominal phrase with the adjective `very unlucky'.

The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when the first tumult of joy was over, she began to declare that it was what she had expected all the while. [1, p.8]

The sentence above is a compound-complex sentence and has three compound nominal predicates. The first one `was just what he wished' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`was' - and the predicative is expressed by the clause `just what he wished'. The second predicate `was over' comprises the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `was' - and the predicative is expressed by the adverb `over'. The third predicate `was what she had expected all the while' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`was' - and the predicative is expressed by the clause `what she had expected all the while'.

I was sure you loved your girls too well to neglect such an acquaintance. [1, p.8]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `was sure' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`was' - and the predicative is expressed by the adjective `sure'.

At our time of life it is not so pleasant, I can tell you, to be making new acquaintances every day; but for your sakes, we would do anything. [1, p.8]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `is not so pleasant' consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`is' - and the predicative is expressed by the adjective phrase `so pleasant'.

I am not afraid; for though I AM the youngest, I'm the tallest. [1, p.8]

The sentence above is a compound sentence and has three compound nominal predicates. The first one `am not afraid' consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`am' - and the predicative is expressed by the adjective `afraid'. The second predicate `am the youngest' comprises the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `am' - and the predicative is expressed by the adjective `youngest'. The third predicate `'m the tallest' consists of the synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`'m (am)' - and the predicative is expressed by the adjective `the tallest'.

Her report was highly favourable. [1, p.10]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `was favourable' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`was' - and the predicative is expressed by the adjective `favourable'.

Sir William had been delighted with him. [1, p.10]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `had been delighted' consists of the analytical past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`had been' - and the predicative is expressed by the past participle phrase `delighted'.

He was quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremely agreeable, and, to crown the whole, he meant to be at the next assembly with a large party.

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `was quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremely agreeable' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`was' - and the predicative is expressed by the nominal phrase with homogeneous adjective `quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremely agreeable'.

The ladies were somewhat more fortunate, for they had the advantage of ascertaining from an upper window that he wore a blue coat, and rode a black horse. [1, p.10]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `were more fortunate' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`were' - and the predicative is expressed by the nominal phrase with adjective `more fortunate'.

Mrs. Bennet was quite disconcerted. [1, p.11]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `was quite disconcerted' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`was' - and the predicative is expressed by the nominal phrase with the past participle `quite disconcerted'.

Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners. [1, p.11]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `was good-looking and gentlemanlike' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`was' - and the predicative is expressed by the homogeneous adjectives `good-looking and gentlemanlike'.

His sisters were fine women, with an air of decided fashion. [1, p.11]

The compound nominal predicate in the sentence `were fine women' consists of the synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be' -`were' - and the predicative is expressed by the noun phrase `fine women'.

The farewell between herself and Mr. Wickham was perfectly friendly; on his side even more. [1,p. 105]

The predicate `was friendly' is a simple verbal predicate expressed by a past tense form of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by an adjective `friendly'.

When Mr. Collins said anything of which his wife might reasonably be ashamed, which certainly was not unseldom, she involuntarily turned her eye on Charlotte. [1, p.196]

The compound nominal predicate `was not unseldom' consists of the negative past tense form of the link verb `to be' - `was not' - followed by the predicative expressed by the adverb.

Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt's ill-breeding, and made no answer. [1, p.218]

The compound nominal predicate `looked a little ashamed' consists of the past tense form of the link verb `to look' - `looked' - followed by the predicative expressed by the nominal phrase with the adjective `a little ashamed'.

Elizabeth tells her father that Darcy was responsible for uniting Lydia and Wickham. [1, p. 475]

The compound nominal predicate `was responsible (for)' consists of the past tense form of the link verb `to be' - `was' - followed by the predicative expressed by the adjective `responsible'.

Conceal the unhappy truth as long as it is possible, I know it cannot be long. [1, p.342]

The compound nominal predicate is expressed by a synthetic present tense form of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by the adjective `possible'.

I was only confused for the moment, because I felt that I SHOULD be looked at. [1, p.408]

The compound nominal predicate is expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be'- `was' - and the predicative expressed by the past participle of the verb `to confuse' - `confused'.

Elizabeth tells her father that Darcy was responsible for uniting Lydia and Wickham. [1, p.409]

The compound nominal predicate `was responsible' is expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be'- `was' - and the predicative expressed by the adjective `responsible'.

38. The village of Longbourn was only one mile from Meryton; a most convenient distance for the young ladies, who were usually tempted thither three or four times a week, to pay their duty to their aunt and to a milliner's shop just over the way. [1, p.34]

The predicate in the principle clause `was only one mile from Meryton' is a simple verbal predicate expressed by an analytical form of the verb.

Their brother, indeed, was the only one of the party whom she could regard with any complacency. [1, p.42]

The predicate in the principle clause `was the only one' is a compound nominal predicate expressed by the past tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `was' - and the predicative expressed by a nominal phrase with the numeral `the only one'.

His sisters were anxious for his having an estate of his own… [1, p.19]

The compound nominal predicate `were anxious' is expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the link-verb `to be'- `were' - and the predicative expressed by the adjective `anxious'.

Mr. Collins was also in the same state of angry pride. [1, p.145]

The compound nominal predicate `was in the same state of angry pride' is expressed by the past tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `was' - and the predicative expressed by a nominal phrase with the numeral `in the same state of angry pride'.

He is his own master.[1, p.148]

The compound nominal predicate `is his own master' is expressed by the present tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `is' - and the predicative expressed by a nominal phrase `his own master'.

Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister; and, to confess the truth, WE are scarcely less eager to meet her again. [1, p.148]

The compound nominal predicate in the first coordinate clause `is impatient' is expressed by the present tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `is' - and the predicative expressed by a the adjective `impatient'; the compound nominal predicate in the second coordinate clause is also expressed by a synthetic present tense of the link-verb `to be' - `are' and the predicative expressed by the nominal phrase `scarcely less eager to meet'.

She is not such a simpleton. [1, p.150]

The predicate in this sentence comprises the present tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `is' - and the nominal phrase - noun phrases `not such a simleton'.

Caroline is incapable of willfully deceiving anyone; and all that I can hope in this case is that she is deceiving herself. [1, p.150]

Since the sentence is complex, there are several predicates used in this example. Our concern here is the compound nominal predicate `is incapable' which is expressed by the present tense form of the link-verb and the predicative expressed by the adjective `incapable'.

Besides, in this sentence there is one more compound nominal predicate which comprises the present tense form of the link-verb `to be' - `is' and the predicative is expressed by a clause, as it has got the subject-predicate unit of its own `that she is deceiving herself'.'

3.2.2 The Ways of Expressing Compound Verbal Predicate

“Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentlemen, to sit down for two dances.” [1,p.12 ]

The verb `had been obliged to sit down' is a compound verbal modal predicate expressed by the past perfect passive of the attitudinal verb `to oblige' and the

2. Mr. Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Meryton, the neighborhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with all that he had yet seen, and speaking of the latter with gentle but very intelligible gallantry.

[1,p. 12]

The predicate in the principle clause `began to speak' is a compound verbal aspect predicate expressed by a past tense form of the phasal verb of beginning `to begin' - `began'- and the infinitive of the notional verb `to speak' .

3. You begin to comprehend me, do you?' cried he, turning towards her.

[1,p. 51]

The predicate in the principle clause `begin to comprehend' is a compound verbal aspect predicate expressed by a past tense form of the phasal verb of beginning `to begin' - `began'- and the infinitive of the notional verb ` `to comprehend '

4. Mrs. Bennet still continued to wonder and repine at his returning no more, and though a day seldom passed in which Elizabeth did not account for it clearly, there was little chance of her ever considering it with less perplexity. [1,p. 172]

The predicate in the principle clause `continued to wonder' is a compound verbal aspect predicate expressed by a past tense form of the phasal verb of duration `to continue' - `continued'- and the infinitive of the notional verb `to wonder'.

You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley may like you the best of the party. [1, p.3]

The example above is a compound-complex sentence and has several predicates. The homogeneous predicates in the principle clause `may go' and `may send' as well as the predicate in the second coordinate clause `may like' are the compound verbal predicates consisting of the modal verb `may' and the bare infinitive of the notional verb `to go', `to send' and `to like' correspondingly.

But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingley when he comes into the neighbourhood.[1,p.3]

The compound verbal modal predicate consists of the modal verb `must' and the bare infinitive of the homogeneous notional verbs `to go', `to see'.

I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy. [1,p.4]

The example above is a compound-complex sentence and has several predicates. The predicates in the coordinate clauses `dare say' and `must throw' are both the compound verbal modal predicates. The first one consists of the modal verb `dare' and the bare infinitive of the notional verb `to say'; while the second compound verbal modal predicate comprises the modal verb `must' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to throw' without the particle `to'.

He had always intended to visit him, though to the last always assuring his wife that he should not go; and till the evening after the visit was paid she had no knowledge of it. [1, p.6]

The example above is a compound-complex sentence and has several predicates. The predicates in the coordinate clauses `had intended to visit' and `should not go' are both the compound verbal modal predicates. The first one consists of the past perfect tense form of the attitudinal verb `had intended' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to visit'; while the second compound verbal modal predicate comprises the modal verb `should' in the negative form and the infinitive of the notional verb `to go' without the particle `to'.

Don't keep coughing so, Kitty, for Heaven's sake! [1, p.6]

In this sentence the finite verb is the compound verbal aspect predicate `don't keep coughing' consisting of the negative present tense form of the phasal verb `to keep' (denoting duration) and the gerund of the notional verb `coughing'.

One cannot know what a man really is by the end of a fortnight. [1, p.7]

The compound verbal modal predicate in this sentence consists of the negative form of the modal verb `cannot' and the bare infinitive of the notional verbs `to know'.

I cannot quite agree with you THERE. [1, p.7]

The compound verbal modal predicate `cannot agree' consists of the negative form of the modal verb `cannot' and the bare infinitive of the homogeneous notional verbs `to agree'.

Mary wished to say something sensible, but knew not how. [1, p.7]

The predicate in this sentence `wished to say' is the compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the past tense form of the attitudinal verb `to wish'- `wished'- and the infinitive of the notional verb `to say'.

It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now. [1, p.8]

The predicate in this sentence `cannot escape' is the compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the negative present tense form of the modal verb `can'- `cannot'- and the split infinitive of the notional verb `to escape'.

The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when the first tumult of joy was over, she began to declare that it was what she had expected all the while. [1, p.8]

This sentence has a compound verbal aspect predicate `began t declare' consisting of the past tense form of the phasal verb `to begin' (denoting beginning of the action expressed by the notional verb) - `began' - and the infinitive of the notional verb `to declare'.

But I knew I should persuade you at last. [1, p.8]

The predicate in this sentence `should persuade' is the compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the modal verb `should' and the split infinitive of the notional verb `to persuade'.

At our time of life it is not so pleasant, I can tell you, to be making new acquaintances every day; but for your sakes, we would do anything. [1, p.8] The predicate in this sentence `can tell' is the compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the modal verb `can' and the split infinitive of the notional verb `to tell'.

They attacked him in various ways--with barefaced questions, ingenious suppositions, and distant surmises; but he eluded the skill of them all, and they were at last obliged to accept the second-hand intelligence of their neighbour, Lady Lucas. [1, p.10]

The predicate in this sentence `were obliged to accept' is the compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the past passive form of the attitudinal verb `were obliged' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to accept'.

He was quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremely agreeable, and, to crown the whole, he meant to be at the next assembly with a large party.

[1, p.10]

The predicate in this sentence `meant to be' is the compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the past tense form of the attitudinal verb `meant' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to be'.

Mr. Bingley was obliged to be in town the following day, and, consequently, unable to accept the honour of their invitation, etc. [1, p.11]

The first predicate in this sentence `was obliged to be' is the compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the past passive form of the attitudinal verb `was obliged' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to be'. The second compound verbal modal predicate `unable to accept' is expressed by the modal expression `was unable (to)' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to accept'.

She could not imagine what business he could have in town so soon after his arrival in Hertfordshire; and she began to fear that he might be always flying about from one place to another, and never settled at Netherfield as he ought to be. [1, p.11]

The example above is a compound-complex sentence and has several predicates. The first predicate `could not imagine' is a compound verbal modal predicate expressed by the negative past tense form of the modal verb `can' - `could not' - and the bare infinitive of the notional verb `to imagine'.

The second predicate `could have' is a compound verbal modal predicate expressed by the past tense form of the modal verb `can' - `could' - and the bare infinitive of the notional verb `to have'.

The third predicate `began to fear' is the compound verbal aspect predicate consisting of the past tense form of the phasal verb `to begin' (showing the duration of the action expressed by the notional verb) - `began' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to fear'.

The fourth predicate `might be flying' is a compound verbal modal predicate which is expressed by a past tense form of the modal verb `may'- `might'- and the continuous infinitive of the verb `to fly'.

The fifth predicate `ought to be' is also a compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the modal verb `ought (to)' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to be'.

Mr. Bingley inherited property to the amount of nearly a hundred thousand pounds from his father, who had intended to purchase an estate, but did not live to do it. [1,p.19 ]

This example is a complex sentence comprising two clauses, and thus two subject-predicate units. The predicate in the principle clause is the simple verbal one which is expressed by a synthetic past tense form of the notional verb `to inherit'. The subordinate relative clause has got two predicates: the first one is a compound verbal modal predicate expressed by a past perfect form of the attitudinal verb `to intend'- `had intended'- and the infinitive of the notional verb `to purchase'; the second predicate - `did not live' - is a simple verbal predicate expressed by the analytical negative form of the verb.

Lady Lucas quieted her fears a little by starting the idea of his being gone to London only to get a large party for the ball; and a report soon followed that Mr. Bingley was to bring twelve ladies and seven gentlemen with him to the assembly. [1, p.11]

The predicate in this sentence `was to bring' is a compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the modal verb `be (to)'- `was' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to bring'.

I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows.[1, 29]

The predicate in the example `am going to open' is the compound verbal modal predicate consisting of the present tense form of the modal expression `to be going (to)' - `am going to'- and the infinitive of the notional verb `to open'.

If my children are silly, I must hope to be always sensible of it. [1, p.35]

The compound verbal modal predicate `must hope' consists of the modal verb `must' and the bare infinitive of the notional verb `to hope'.

As to what restraint the apprehensions of disgrace in the corps might throw on a dishonourable elopement with her, I am not able to judge; for I know nothing of the effects that such a step might produce. [1, p.347]

The predicate `am not able to judge' is the compound verbal modal predicate which consists of the present tense negative form of the modal expression `am not able' and the bare infinitive of the notional verb `to judge'.

Besides, there are two more compound verbal predicates `might throw' and `might produce', which are both expressed by the past tense form of the modal verb `may' - might-and the bare infinitive of the notional verb - `to throw' and `to produce' correspondingly.

They were to be off as soon as possible. [1, p.344]

The predicate of the sentence - `were to be off' - according to its structure and its type is a compound verbal modal predicate, since it is expressed by the modal expression `were (to)' followed by the infinitive of the notional verb `to be off'.

Miss Bennet had not been able to hear of his coming without changing colour. [1, p.347]

The predicate of the sentence - `had not been able to hear' is a compound verbal modal predicate, expressed by the past perfect negative form of the modal expression `to be able to'- `had not been able to' followed by the infinitive of the notional verb `to hear'.

I was only confused for the moment, because I felt that I SHOULD be looked at. [1, p.408]

One of the predicates of the sentence - `should be looked at' is a compound verbal modal predicate, expressed by the modal verb `should' and the indefinite infinitive passive of the notional verb `to to look at'.

…Elizabeth could easily perceive that her spirits were affected by it.

[1, p.409]

One of the predicates of the sentence - `could perceive' is a compound verbal modal predicate, expressed by the past tense for of the modal verb `could' and the indefinite infinitive of the notional verb `perceive'.

…Elizabeth had only to suffer from the uncomfortable feelings necessarily attending it (discussion), and occasionally from some peevish allusions of her mother.[1, p.145]

The compound verbal modal predicate `had to suffer' is expressed by the past tense of the modal expression `have (to)' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to suffer'.

Elizabeth had hoped that his resentment might shorten his visit, but his plan did not appear in the least affected by it. [1,p. 145]

One of the predicates in this complex sentence is a compound verbal modal predicate - `might shorten'- is expressed by the past tense form of the modal verb `may'- `might' - and the bare infinitive of the notional verb `to shorten'.

Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me. [1,p. 150]

The predicate `ought to believe' is expressed by the modal verb `ought (to)' and the infinitive of the notional verb `believe' without the particle to, hence this is a compound verbal modal predicate.

Caroline is incapable of willfully deceiving anyone; and all that I can hope in this case is that she is deceiving herself. [1, p.150]

The compound verbal modal predicate `can hope' is expressed by a present tense form of the modal verb `can' and the infinitive of the notional verb `to hope'.

3.3 The Use of the Mixed Type of Predicate in Modern English

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. [1, p.2]

The predicate in the subordinate clause is a modal nominal predicate; the modal part of the predicate consists of the modal verb `must', while the nominal part of the infinitive of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by a prepositional nominal phrase `in want of a wife'

Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted with him myself; how can you be so teasing? [1, p.7]

The compound modal nominal predicate `can be so teasing' consists of the negative form of the modal verb `can' and the nominal part of the predicate includes the infinitive of the link-verb `to be' without the particle `to' and the nominal phrase with the present participle `so teasing'.

When a woman has five grown-up daughters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty.[1, p.3]

The compound modal nominal predicate `ought to give over thinking' consists of the modal verb `ought (to)' followed by the infinitive of the phasal verb `to give over', which denotes the cessation of the action expressed by the gerund `thinking', thus we have modal and aspect predicate combined in one and the same predicate, thus forming the mixed type of predicate, namely the compound modal aspect predicate.

Nothing could be more delightful! [1, p.10]

The mixed type of predicate `could be more delightful' consists of the past tense form of the modal verb `can' - `could' - followed by the infinitive of the nominal predicate consisting of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by the nominal phrase `more delightful', thus forming the compound modal nominal predicate.

How can you be so silly,' cried her mother, `as to think of such a thing, in all this dirt! [1, p.39]

The mixed type of predicate `could be so silly' consists of the past tense form of the modal verb `can' - `could' - followed by the infinitive of the nominal predicate consisting of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by the nominal phrase `so silly', thus forming the compound modal nominal predicate.

It ought to be good,' he replied, `it has been the work of many generations. [1, p.46]

The mixed type of predicate `ought to be good' consists of the modal verb `ought' and the infinitive of the nominal predicate consisting of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by the adjective `good', thus forming the compound modal nominal predicate.

I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet, for anything about the entail.1[1, p.165]

The mixed type of predicate `can be thankful' consists of the modal verb `can' followed by the infinitive of the link-verb `to be' and the predicative expressed by the noun `so silly', thus forming the compound modal nominal predicate.

No scheme could have been more agreeable to Elizabeth, and her acceptance of the invitation was most ready and grateful. [1, p.194]

The mixed type of predicate `could have been more agreeable' consists of the past tense form of the modal verb `can' - `could' - followed by the nominal predicate comprising the perfect infinitive of the link-verb `to be' -`have been'- and the predicative expressed by the nominal phrase `more agreeable', thus forming the compound modal nominal predicate.

When Mr. Collins said anything of which his wife might reasonably be ashamed, which certainly was not unseldom, she involuntarily turned her eye on Charlotte. [1, p.196]

The mixed type of predicate `might be ashamed' consists of the past tense form of the modal verb `may' - `might' - followed by the nominal predicate comprising the indefinite infinitive of the link-verb `to be' -` be'- and the predicative expressed by the past participle `ashamed', thus forming the compound modal nominal predicate.

If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dear Wickham, you must be very happy. [1, p.476]

The mixed type of predicate `must be very happy' consists of the modal verb `must' followed by the nominal predicate comprising the indefinite infinitive of the link-verb `to be' -` be'- and the predicative expressed by the adjective phrase `very happy'.

Conceal the unhappy truth as long as it is possible, I know it cannot be long.

[1, p.342]

The mixed type of predicate `cannot be long' consists of the present tense negative form of the modal verb `can'-`cannot' followed by the nominal predicate comprising the indefinite infinitive of the link-verb `to be' -` be'- and the predicative expressed by the adjective `long'.

Conclusion

As a result of our research we have come to the following conclusions:

Predicate is the second main part of the sentence and its organizing centre.

In English the predicate expressed by a finite verb agrees with the subject in number and person, and at the same time it gives the idea about the tense, mood and voice used.

The predicate may be considered from the semantic or from the structural point of view. Structurally the predicate is classified into simple and compound., both of which may be nominal or verbal. The compound predicate consists of two parts: the notional and the structural. The structural part comes first and is followed by the notional part.

The compound nominal predicate denotes the state or quality of the person

or thing expressed by the subject or the class of person or things to which this person or thing belongs. The compound nominal predicate consists of a link verb and a predicative or the nominal part of the predicate. The link verb (or a verb of incomplete predication) expresses the verbal categories of person, number, tense, aspect, mood, sometimes voice. The predicative denotes the quality, state and other characteristics of the subject of the sentence and may be expressed by various parts of speech, word forms, phrases and clauses.

Besides the predicative referring to the subject, another type of predicative referring to the object can be found in English. It is generally called the Objective Predicative. It expresses the state or quality of the person or thing denoted by the object and is generally expressed by a noun, an adjective, a word denoting state, or a prepositional phrase. The three most typical semantic characteristics of a predicative are: identification, classification and characterization.

An identifying predicative expresses equality between the notion expressed by the predicative and by the subject, or means that they are of the same rank or value.

A classifying predicative names a class of persons or non-persons to which that denoted by the subject belongs. The predicative in this case is expressed by a noun with the indefinite article.

A characterizing predicative denotes a state or quality of a person or non-person and is expressed by an adjective or a stative.

The compound nominal double predicate combines the features of two different types of predicate. It has the features of the simple verbal predicate and those of the compound nominal predicate. It consists of two parts, both of which are notional.

The compound verbal predicate can be divided into two types according to

the meaning of the finite verb: (1) the compound verbal modal predicate, and (2)the compound verbal aspect predicate. The compound verbal modal predicate, which consists of a modal part and an infinitive (or a gerund) shows whether the action expressed by a non-finite form of the verb is considered as possible, impossible, obligatory, necessary, desirable, etc. The compound verbal aspect predicate denotes the beginning, duration, repetition or cessation of the action expressed by an infinitive or a gerund.

The compound verbal predicate of double orientation consists of two parts.

The first part is a finite verb which denotes the attitude to, evaluation of, or comment on, the content of the sentence expressed by the speaker or somebody not mentioned in the sentence.

The most important type of agreement (concord) in English is that of the

the subject and the predicate in number and person. Thus a singular noun-subject requires a singular verb-predicate, a plural noun-subject requires a plural verb-predicate.

In this study we also focused our attention at the types of predicate in the English language and the ways of expressing the predicate. Having analyzed 155 examples of sentences taken from the novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen we have come to the following conclusions that are worth mentioning:

The most frequently used type of predicate is the simple verbal predicate (in 67 sentences out of 155, what makes about 43%) which more often expressed by a finite verb either in synthetic or analytical form, and less by phrases denoting one action.

The compound nominal predicate is also commonly used, though not as often as simple verbal predicate, namely in 44 sentences, i.e. about 29% of all the examples analyzed. It should be mentioned, that the link-verb is mostly the verb `to be' which completely lost its dictionary meaning. Concerning the predicative, it should me said, that most of them are adjectives, and nominal phrase, and even clauses.

In 33 sentences out of 155 (21%)the compound verbal predicate was used; just 5 out of 33 are compound verbal aspect predicates, expressed by a phasal verb and infinitive or gerund of the notional verb; the rest of them are compound verbal modal predicates, which are expressed by a modal verb, modal expression or attitudinal verb followed by the required form of the infinitive of the notional verb.

The least in number were the sentences in which the predicate belongs to mixed type - only in 11 sentences (what makes 7% of all the sentences analyzed). The predicate used in these sentences were both compound verbal nominal, and rarely compound modal aspect predicate.

Among the sentences we analyzed no examples of simple nominal predicate, compound nominal double predicate, and compound verbal predicate of double orientation were found, what makes us conclude that these types of predicates are not so frequently used among native speakers.

Thus, the investigation discloses the types and ways of English predicate used in the novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen.

sentence novel linguistic predicate

Bibliography

1. Austin J. Pride and Prejudice Oxford University Press. 2002, 299p.

2. Blokh M. A Course in Theoretical English Grammar. Moscow, 1983,356p.

3. Collins. Cobuild Student Grammar. 1988, 235p. (eBook)

4. Ehrlich. Eugene H. Schaum's outline of English Grammar.1991,347p.

5. Fowler H.W. The King's English. // 1908, 167p.

6. Gordon E.M., Krylova I.P. A Grammar of Present Pay English. Moscow, 1980, 438p.

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