A predicate adjective is an adjective that appears after a linking verb and describes or modifies the subject of the sentence. It functions within the predicate of a sentence, providing essential information about the subject's qualities or state.
Understanding Predicate Adjectives
Unlike an attributive adjective, which typically precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., "a tall building"), a predicate adjective follows a specific type of verb—a linking verb—and refers back to the subject. Its primary role is to complete the meaning of the linking verb by describing the subject's condition, appearance, or characteristic.
The Role of Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are crucial for identifying predicate adjectives because they do not express action. Instead, they connect the subject to a word or phrase that renames or describes it. Think of them as an "equals sign" (=) between the subject and the predicate adjective.
Common linking verbs include:
| Category | Common Examples |
|---|---|
| Be-verbs | am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been |
| Sense Verbs | look, smell, sound, taste, feel |
| Appearance | appear, seem |
| Becoming | become, grow, turn |
| Continuity | remain, stay |
For a more comprehensive understanding of these verbs, you might find resources on linking verbs helpful.
Identifying Predicate Adjectives
To identify a predicate adjective, follow these steps:
- Locate the subject of the sentence.
- Find the verb that connects the subject to a descriptor. This verb must be a linking verb.
- Identify the adjective that follows the linking verb and describes the subject.
Examples of Predicate Adjectives
Here are several examples illustrating how predicate adjectives function in sentences:
- The flowers are beautiful.
- Subject: flowers
- Linking Verb: are
- Predicate Adjective: beautiful (describes the flowers)
- He seems tired.
- Subject: He
- Linking Verb: seems
- Predicate Adjective: tired (describes He)
- The soup tasted delicious.
- Subject: soup
- Linking Verb: tasted
- Predicate Adjective: delicious (describes the soup)
- She grew stronger with practice.
- Subject: She
- Linking Verb: grew
- Predicate Adjective: stronger (describes She)
- The old house looked abandoned.
- Subject: house
- Linking Verb: looked
- Predicate Adjective: abandoned (describes the house)
Notice how in each example, the predicate adjective provides a characteristic or state of the subject, completing the thought initiated by the linking verb.
Why Are Predicate Adjectives Important?
Understanding predicate adjectives is fundamental to comprehending sentence structure and forming grammatically correct sentences. They enable clear and precise descriptions of subjects, enriching the expressiveness of language without using action verbs. Mastering their use contributes to more sophisticated and nuanced writing and communication.
