In the sentence, He reads constantly, we have a simple predicate, the single verb reads; but in the sentence, He reads and studies constantly, we have a compound predicate, compound of the two verbs reads and studies. A sentence may have both a compound subject and a compound predicate. As, for example:

In this sentence John and James is the compound subject of both the verbs, read and study. So we have a compound subject and a compound predicate.

Exercise 5

Notice the verbs in the following sentences connected by co-ordinate conjunctions. Draw lines under each compound predicate.

  1. The days come and go in a ceaseless round.
  2. The brave man dreams and dares to live the dream.
  3. The coward dreams but dares not live the dream.
  4. We produce splendidly but distribute miserably.
  5. The bought press twists and distorts the facts.
  6. Only a traitor aids or supports the enemy.
  7. We agitate and educate for the cause of liberty.

ADJECTIVES

339. Co-ordinate conjunctions are used to connect adjectives.

In this way we use a number of adjectives to modify the same word without tiresome repetition. When several adjectives are used to modify the same word, the conjunction is used only between the last two adjectives. As, for example:

A simple, clear and concise course has been prepared.