Downgraded Predications An example of modifying predications: The girl slept for three hours',or 'The girl was asleep,which lasted three hours'or 'The girl's sleep lasted three hours'. (see46,49,pp.146,147,46a-c,p.147,Leech)• An example of modifying predications: ‘The girl slept for three hours’ , or ‘The girl was asleep, which lasted three hours’ or ‘The girl’s sleep lasted three hours’. (see 46, 49, pp.146, 147, 46a-c, p.147, Leech) Downgraded Predications