Predicate Adjectives With Definitions, Examples, Types, and Usage

Definitions and Examples:

Predicate adjectives are adjectives that follow linking verbs and describe the subject of the sentence. They complete the meaning of the subject by providing additional information or attributes. Unlike attributive adjectives, which directly modify nouns, predicate adjectives modify the subject after a linking verb.

Examples in Sentences:

• She is happy.
• The day seems long.
• He looks tired.

Types of Predicate Adjective

Predicate adjectives can be classified into two types based on the linking verb:

• True Predicate Adjectives: These directly modify the subject and do not include the linking verb in the description.
  • Example: The day seems long.
• Appositive Predicate Adjectives: These are accompanied by the linking verb and serve to rename or reidentify the subject.
  • Example: The winner was him.

In each sentence, the adjective (happy, long, tired) comes after the linking verb (is, seems, looks) and describes the subject.

Listing predicate adjectives in simple sentences

How to Identify Predicate Adjective

Predicate adjectives are adjectives that follow linking verbs and describe the subject of the sentence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to identify them:

• Find the Linking Verb: Look for verbs like is, am, are, was, were, seem, appear, become, and others that connect the subject to a description.Example: She is happy. (Here, “is” is the linking verb.)
• Look for the Adjective: After the linking verb, find the word that describes the subject. This word is the predicate adjective.Example: She is happy. (“Happy” describes “she.”)
• Confirm it Describes the Subject: Make sure the adjective describes the subject and not another word in the sentence.Example: He seems tired. (“Tired” describes “he.”)
• Check for Negation: In negative sentences, the predicate adjective still describes the subject.Example: He is not tired. (“Not tired” still describes “he.“

Explanation of Predicate Adjectives vs Predicate Nominatives

Predicate Adjectives describe the subject of a sentence, while Predicate Nominatives rename or reidentify the subject.

Let’s break it down:

• Predicate Adjectives: These are adjectives that come after linking verbs and describe the subject. They tell us more about what the subject is like. For example, in the sentence “The flower is beautiful,” “beautiful” is the predicate adjective because it describes the flower.
• Predicate Nominatives: These are nouns or pronouns that come after linking verbs and rename or reidentify the subject. They tell us what the subject is. For example, in the sentence “She is a teacher,” “teacher” is the predicate nominative because it renames “she” as a teacher.

In simpler terms, think of it like this:

• Predicate Adjectives describe the subject’s qualities (like color, size, or condition).
• Predicate Nominatives rename or reidentify the subject as something else (like a job or a role).

Remember:

• Predicate adjectives give us more information about the subject.
• Predicate nominatives give us a new name or identity for the subject.

So, in summary, while predicate adjectives describe the subject, predicate nominatives give it a new name or role.

Usage of Predicate Adjectives

Predicate adjectives are adjectives that come after linking verbs and describe the subject of a sentence. They help give more information about what the subject is like or how it seems. Let’s look at some examples:

• Positive Sentences:
  • She is happy.
    • Here, “happy” is a predicate adjective that tells us how she feels.
  • The flowers are beautiful.
    • “Beautiful” describes how the flowers look.
• Negative Sentences:
  • He is not tired.
    • In this sentence, “not tired” is the predicate adjective that tells us he doesn’t feel tired.

In these examples, the predicate adjective follows a linking verb (like “is” or “are“) and tells us more about the subject.

Explanation of Predicate Adjectives vs Linking Verbs

Understanding the difference between predicate adjective and linking verbs is crucial for correctly identifying and using them in sentences.

Predicate Adjectives:

• Definition: Predicate adjectives are adjectives that follow linking verbs and describe the subject of the sentence.
• Example: She is happy.
• Explanation: In this sentence, “is” is the linking verb that connects “she” to the predicate adjective “happy“. The word “happy” describes the subject “she“.

Linking Verbs:

• Definition: Linking verbs connect the subject of the sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that identifies or describes the subject.
• Example: She seems happy.
• Explanation: In this sentence, “seems” is the linking verb that connects “she” to the predicate adjective “happy“. The linking verb “seems” suggests a state of being or condition.

Key Differences:

• Predicate Adjectives: They directly describe the subject that comes before them.
  • Example: The day seems long.
• Linking Verbs: They connect the subject to a word or phrase that identifies or describes the subject.
  • Example: The day seems long.

Explanation in Simple Terms:

• Predicate Adjective: It’s like an adjective that completes the sentence by describing how the subject is.
• Linking Verb: It’s like a word that shows a connection between the subject and the rest of the sentence.

In summary, predicate adjectives describe the subject directly after a linking verb, while linking verbs connect the subject to a description or identification. Both are important parts of sentences that help convey information about the subject.

Exercises for Students of Predicate Adjective

Fill in the blanks with appropriate predicate adjective to complete the sentences.

• The movie was __________.
• He appears __________ after the long run.
• The music sounds __________.
• Her voice is __________.
• The book seems __________.

See More “Adjective Suffixes”

Exercise: Create Your Own Sentences

Create sentences using the following predicate adjective. Ensure that each sentence includes a subject and a linking verb.

• Bright
• Nervous
• Tasty
• Calm
• Bitter

Predicate Nouns vs. Predicate Adjectives

Predicate noun, also known as a predicate nominative, is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence. It gives more information about who or what the subject is.

Examples in Simple Sentences:

• She is a teacher.
  • Explanation: “Teacher” is a noun that follows the linking verb “is” and renames the subject “She“.
• My brother became a doctor.
  • Explanation: “Doctor” is a noun that follows the linking verb “became” and identifies the subject “brother“.

Predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. It tells us more about the subject’s qualities or states of being.

Examples in Simple Sentences:

• The sky looks blue.
  • Explanation: “Blue” is an adjective that follows the linking verb “looks” and describes the subject “sky“.
• She feels happy.
  • Explanation: “Happy” is an adjective that follows the linking verb “feels” and describes the subject “She“.

Key Differences:

• Predicate Nouns: Rename or identify the subject.
  • Example: She is a student. (“Student” renames “She“)
• Predicate Adjectives: Describe the subject’s qualities.
  • Example: She is smart. (“Smart” describes “She“)

More Simple Examples:

• Predicate Noun: The winner is John.
  • “John” renames the subject “winner“.
• Predicate Adjective: The winner is excited.
  • “Excited” describes the subject “winner“.

Understanding the difference between predicate nouns and predicate adjective is crucial for proper sentence structure. Predicate nouns will always be a noun or pronoun that re-identifies the subject, while predicate adjective will always be an adjective that describes the subject.

FAQs on Predicate Adjective

What is a predicate adjective in grammar?

A: A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. It provides additional information about the subject.

How can you identify a predicate adjective in a sentence?

A: To identify a predicate adjective, look for an adjective that comes after a linking verb (such as “is,” “seems,” “looks,” etc.) and describes the subject.

What are some common linking verbs used with predicate adjectives?

A: Common linking verbs include “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “seems,” “becomes,” “appears,” “looks,” and “feels.”

Can you give examples of predicate adjectives in sentences?

A: Yes, here are a few examples:

• The sky is blue.
• The soup tastes delicious.
• He seems angry.

How do predicate adjectives differ from predicate nominatives?

A: Predicate adjectives describe the subject, while predicate nominatives rename or identify the subject. For example, in “She is a teacher” (predicate nominatives) versus “She is happy” (predicate adjectives).

What is the role of a predicate adjective in a sentence?

A: The role of a predicate adjective is to provide more information about the subject by describing it. It complements the subject by offering an attribute or characteristic.

Are predicate adjectives always necessary in a sentence?

A: No, predicate adjectives are not always necessary. They are used to give additional description to the subject but are not required for the sentence to be grammatically correct.

Can predicate adjective be used in negative sentences?

A: Yes, predicate adjectives can be used in negative sentences. For example, “The room is not clean” and “He is not ready.”

What is the difference between a predicate adjective and an adverb?

A: A predicate adjective describes the subject and follows a linking verb, while an adverb modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. For example, “She is happy” (predicate adjective) versus “She sings beautifully” (adverb).

Can you list some exercises to practice identifying predicate adjectives?

A: Certainly! Here are a few practice sentences:

1. The flowers smell sweet.
2. The movie was interesting.
3. They felt tired after the hike. Try to identify the predicate adjective in each sentence.

What resources can help with learning about predicate adjectives?

A: Grammar books, online grammar websites, educational videos, and interactive exercises can help learners understand and practice predicate adjectives.