Lesson 4: The Predicate Nominative and Predicate Adjective

Definition

A predicate nominative is a word or word group that is in the predicate and that identifies the subject or refers to it.

Explanation

A predicate nominative renames the subject and always follows a linking verb. You can have more than one, which is called a compound predicate nominative. Think of it like an equation: Subject = Predicate Nominative. To find it in a question, remember to turn the question into a statement first!

Examples

• In August, Ms. Davis became our new librarian. [The noun librarian identifies the subject, Ms. Davis.]
• The winners of the prize were Maria and Leo. [This sentence has a compound predicate nominative, Maria and Leo, identifying the subject winners.]
• What a talented artist she is! [The predicate nominative artist comes before the subject she for emphasis.]

Definition

A predicate adjective is an adjective that is in the predicate and that modifies the subject.

Explanation

A predicate adjective describes the subject and follows a linking verb. If there are two or more, it's a compound predicate adjective. It answers "What is the subject like?" For extra flair in an exclamation, the predicate adjective might appear before the subject and verb.

Examples

• The soup smells delicious. [The adjective delicious describes the subject, soup.]
• The kitten was both playful and mischievous. [This sentence has a compound predicate adjective, playful and mischievous, describing the subject kitten.]
• How clear the water is! [The predicate adjective clear comes before the subject water for emphasis.]