Predicate Adjective Vs Predicate Nominative

Predicate Adjectives vs. Predicate Nominatives: Understanding the Difference

Understanding the difference between predicate adjectives and predicate nominatives is crucial for mastering English grammar. Both appear after a linking verb, but their grammatical function and the types of words they use differ significantly. This article will delve into the nuances of each, providing clear explanations, examples, and exercises to solidify your understanding. We will explore the key distinctions, common errors, and how to confidently identify these grammatical elements in any sentence.

What is a Linking Verb?

Before diving into predicate adjectives and predicate nominatives, we need to understand linking verbs. Unlike action verbs, which describe actions, linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that renames or describes it. The most common linking verb is "to be" in its various forms (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been). However, other verbs can function as linking verbs, depending on context. These include verbs of sensation (seem, appear, feel, smell, taste, sound, look) and verbs that indicate a state of being (become, remain, stay, grow).

Example:

• Action Verb: The chef baked a delicious cake. ("baked" describes an action)
• Linking Verb: The cake tastes delicious. ("tastes" connects the subject "cake" to the description "delicious")

Predicate Adjectives: Describing the Subject

A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. It modifies or provides further information about the subject's qualities, characteristics, or state of being.

Key Characteristics of Predicate Adjectives:

• Follows a linking verb: Always appears after a linking verb.
• Modifies the subject: Describes or adds information about the subject.
• Is an adjective: Functions as an adjective grammatically.

Examples:

• The flowers smell sweet. ("sweet" describes the flowers)
• The music sounds beautiful. ("beautiful" describes the music)
• He became angry. ("angry" describes him)
• The soup tastes salty. ("salty" describes the soup)
• She seems happy. ("happy" describes her)

Predicate Nominatives: Renaming the Subject

A predicate nominative, also known as a subjective complement, is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or further identifies the subject. It essentially provides another name or description for the subject, clarifying its identity.

Key Characteristics of Predicate Nominatives:

• Follows a linking verb: Just like predicate adjectives.
• Renames or identifies the subject: Provides another name or description for the subject.
• Is a noun or pronoun: Functions grammatically as a noun or pronoun.

Examples:

• My brother is a doctor. ("doctor" renames "brother")
• She is the winner. ("winner" renames "she")
• The answer is simplicity itself. ("simplicity itself" renames "answer")
• He became a teacher. ("teacher" renames "he")
• They are students. ("students" renames "they")

Distinguishing Between Predicate Adjectives and Predicate Nominatives: A Closer Look

The key to distinguishing between predicate adjectives and predicate nominatives lies in their function: description versus renaming. Ask yourself: Does the word after the linking verb describe the subject, or does it rename it?

Consider these examples:

• Predicate Adjective: The kitten felt warm. ("warm" describes the kitten's state)

• Predicate Nominative: The kitten was a Persian. ("a Persian" renames the kitten)

• Predicate Adjective: The sky appeared dark. ("dark" describes the sky's appearance)

• Predicate Nominative: The sky appeared a canvas of twilight. ("a canvas of twilight" renames the sky, metaphorically)

• Predicate Adjective: The coffee tasted bitter. ("bitter" describes the coffee's taste)

• Predicate Nominative: The coffee was my morning fuel. ("my morning fuel" renames the coffee, figuratively)

Common Errors and Pitfalls

A common mistake is confusing predicate adjectives with objects of prepositions. Remember that predicate adjectives modify the subject and follow a linking verb. Objects of prepositions follow prepositions and don't modify the subject directly.

Example:

• Correct: She is happy in her new home. ("happy" is a predicate adjective describing "she")
• Incorrect: She is in happy in her new home. ("happy" is an adjective used incorrectly)

Another common error involves misidentifying predicate nominatives. Ensure that the noun or pronoun following the linking verb actually renames the subject, not just provides additional information about it.

Advanced Considerations: Phrases and Clauses as Predicate Nominatives

While single nouns and pronouns commonly function as predicate nominatives, phrases and even clauses can also fulfill this role.

Examples:

• Phrase: The best gift is a warm hug. ("a warm hug" is a noun phrase renaming "gift")
• Clause: The problem is that we lack resources. ("that we lack resources" is a noun clause renaming "problem")

Practical Exercises: Identifying Predicate Adjectives and Predicate Nominatives

Identify the predicate adjective or predicate nominative in each sentence:

1. The cake smells delicious.
2. My favorite color is blue.
3. The children seem happy.
4. He became a renowned artist.
5. The ocean appears calm.
6. The answer is quite simple.
7. She felt relieved after the exam.
8. The book remained a mystery.
9. The flowers look vibrant.
10. That song sounds familiar.

Answer Key:

1. delicious (predicate adjective)
2. blue (predicate nominative)
3. happy (predicate adjective)
4. a renowned artist (predicate nominative)
5. calm (predicate adjective)
6. quite simple (predicate nominative - a phrase functioning as a predicate nominative)
7. relieved (predicate adjective)
8. a mystery (predicate nominative)
9. vibrant (predicate adjective)
10. familiar (predicate adjective)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a verb be both a linking verb and an action verb?

A: Yes, many verbs can function as both, depending on the context. For example, "become" can be a linking verb (He became a doctor) or an action verb (He became angry quickly). The key is to consider the function of the verb in the specific sentence.

Q: What happens if I use the wrong form of the verb "to be"?

A: Using the incorrect form of "to be" (e.g., "is" instead of "are") will result in subject-verb disagreement, making the sentence grammatically incorrect. Always ensure the verb agrees in number and tense with the subject.

Q: Can a sentence have both a predicate adjective and a predicate nominative?

A: While less common, it's grammatically possible, though unusual. It would typically involve a complex sentence structure.

Q: Are there any other linking verbs besides forms of "to be"?

A: Yes, as mentioned earlier, verbs of sensation (seem, appear, feel, smell, taste, sound, look) and verbs indicating a state of being (become, remain, stay, grow) can also function as linking verbs.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between predicate adjectives and predicate nominatives is essential for mastering English grammar and constructing clear, grammatically correct sentences. By paying attention to whether a word after a linking verb describes or renames the subject, you can confidently identify these grammatical elements and avoid common errors. Remember to always consider the grammatical function of the word in question within the larger sentence structure. Consistent practice and careful attention to detail will help you master this important aspect of English grammar. With continued effort and practice, you'll confidently navigate the world of predicate adjectives and predicate nominatives.