謂語由動(dòng)詞構(gòu)成，依據(jù)其在句中繁簡程度可把謂語分為簡單謂語和復(fù)合謂語兩類。不論何種時(shí)態(tài)、語態(tài)、語氣，凡由一個(gè)動(dòng)詞(或動(dòng)詞詞組)構(gòu)成的謂語都是簡單謂語。
謂語動(dòng)詞一般由動(dòng)詞的各種時(shí)態(tài)來體現(xiàn)。例如：
I like walking. (一般現(xiàn)在時(shí)主動(dòng)語態(tài))
I made your birthday cake last night. (一般過去時(shí)主動(dòng)語態(tài))
It is used by travellers and business people all over the world. (一般現(xiàn)在時(shí)被動(dòng)語態(tài))
復(fù)合謂語也可分為兩種情況：
第一種是由情態(tài)動(dòng)詞，助動(dòng)詞+不帶to的動(dòng)詞不定式構(gòu)成的復(fù)合謂語：
What does this word mean?
I won't do it again.
You'd better catch a bus.
第二種是由連系動(dòng)詞+表語構(gòu)成的復(fù)合謂語。例如：
The weather gets warmer, and the days get longer.
Keep quiet and listen to me.
He looked worried.