Point out each verb that is used by itself to make a complete statement, and each verb that is not used by itself to make a complete statement:—
| 1. | The boy sleeps. | |
| 2. | My task is done. | |
| 3. | This rose smells sweet. | |
| 4. | The girls are cold. |
When a verb by itself makes a complete statement, it is called a verb of complete predication; as, Birds fly.
When a verb by itself does not make a complete statement, it is called a verb of incomplete predication; as, This man is a merchant.
EXERCISE.
Select the verbs of incomplete predication, and state the word or words that complete the predication:—
| 1. | This water is warm. | |
| 2. | He became a sailor. | |
| 3. | My brother studies in the evening. | |
| 4. | This man has been sick for a month. | |
| 5. | Some murmur when their sky is clear.—French. | |
| 6. | A soft answer turneth away wrath.—Bible. | |
| 7. | An idler is a watch that wants both hands.—Cowper. | |
| 8. | Sweet was the sound, when oft, at evening’s close, | |
| Up yonder hill the village murmur rose.—Goldsmith. |