Identify the choice that best describes the underlined word in the sentence.
My friend Jorge can play the guitar and sing.
(1 point)
Responses
a verb phrase
an incomplete sentence
a compound predicate
a compound predicate
The underlined word "can" is an auxiliary verb indicating ability. Therefore, the correct choice is "a verb phrase."
To identify the choice that best describes the underlined word in the sentence, we need to analyze the sentence. The underlined word is "can." Based on its usage, it is used to express an ability or capability. Now, let's look at the answer choices:
a) verb phrase: A verb phrase typically consists of a main verb and its auxiliary (helping) verbs. In this sentence, "can" is the main verb, so it is not a verb phrase.
b) incomplete sentence: An incomplete sentence lacks a subject, verb, or complete thought. However, the given sentence contains a subject ("My friend Jorge"), a verb ("can play"), and a complete thought, so it is not an incomplete sentence.
c) compound predicate: A compound predicate is formed when two or more verbs share the same subject and are connected by a coordinating conjunction. In this sentence, "can play the guitar and sing" involves two verbs ("play" and "sing") that share the same subject ("Jorge"). Additionally, the coordinating conjunction "and" is used to connect them. Therefore, the underlined word "can" is part of a compound predicate.
Therefore, the correct choice that best describes the underlined word in the sentence is "a compound predicate."