Predicate adjectives are an integral part of sentence structure, providing essential descriptive information about the subject. They help to enhance t

Predicate Adjectives

Predicate adjectives are an integral part of sentence structure, providing essential descriptive information about the subject. They help to enhance the meaning of a sentence by describing the subject’s state or quality. This guide will explore what predicate adjectives are, how they function, and how to use them effectively.

What Are Predicate Adjectives?

Definition

A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. It provides information about the subject’s state or quality and completes the meaning of the linking verb.

Function

Predicate adjectives function to modify or describe the subject by providing additional details about its state or condition. Unlike attributive adjectives, which appear before the noun they modify, predicate adjectives follow a linking verb and provide information about the subject after the verb.

Examples

• The flowers are beautiful. (The adjective "beautiful" describes the subject "flowers.")
• The soup smells delicious. (The adjective "delicious" describes the subject "soup.")
• Her explanation was clear. (The adjective "clear" describes the subject "explanation.")

How to Identify Predicate Adjectives

1. Look for the Linking Verb

Predicate adjectives always follow a linking verb, such as be, seem, become, feel, look, sound, taste, and smell.

2. Find the Adjective

Identify the adjective that provides information about the subject. This adjective will be found after the linking verb.

3. Determine the Subject

The subject of the sentence is what the predicate adjective is describing. Ensure that the adjective is modifying this subject.

Examples

• The sky is clear.

  • Subject: The sky
  • Linking Verb: is
  • Predicate Adjective: clear

• The cake tastes amazing.

  • Subject: The cake
  • Linking Verb: tastes
  • Predicate Adjective: amazing

Common Linking Verbs

Predicate adjectives are linked to the subject by various linking verbs, including:

• Be (am, is, are, was, were, will be, etc.)
• Seem
• Become
• Feel
• Look
• Sound
• Taste
• Smell

Examples

• She is tired. (Linking verb: is; Predicate adjective: tired)
• The water feels cold. (Linking verb: feels; Predicate adjective: cold)
• His performance was outstanding. (Linking verb: was; Predicate adjective: outstanding)

Rules for Using Predicate Adjectives

1. Position in the Sentence

Predicate adjectives must follow a linking verb and be positioned after the subject. They cannot be placed before the subject.

Examples

• Incorrect: Tired is she.
• Correct: She is tired.

2. Agreement in Number and Gender

Predicate adjectives should agree in number with the subject they modify. In English, adjectives do not change form based on gender, but they must match the subject in singular or plural form.

Examples

• Singular Subject: The car is fast. (Predicate adjective: fast)
• Plural Subject: The cars are fast. (Predicate adjective: fast)

3. Describing the Subject

Predicate adjectives describe or modify the subject's state, quality, or appearance, providing more detail about the subject.

Examples

• The movie was exciting. (Predicate adjective: exciting, describing the subject "movie")
• Her dress looks elegant. (Predicate adjective: elegant, describing the subject "dress")

Examples of Predicate Adjectives in Sentences

1. Using "Be"

• The weather is unpredictable. (Predicate adjective: unpredictable)
• His explanation was confusing. (Predicate adjective: confusing)

2. Using "Seem"

• The solution seems effective. (Predicate adjective: effective)
• The plan seemed risky. (Predicate adjective: risky)

3. Using "Feel"

• The blanket feels soft. (Predicate adjective: soft)
• The surface feels rough. (Predicate adjective: rough)

4. Using "Look"

• She looks tired. (Predicate adjective: tired)
• The sky looks ominous. (Predicate adjective: ominous)

5. Using "Sound"

• The music sounds loud. (Predicate adjective: loud)
• The instructions sounded clear. (Predicate adjective: clear)

6. Using "Taste"

• The dish tastes delicious. (Predicate adjective: delicious)
• The lemonade tastes refreshing. (Predicate adjective: refreshing)

7. Using "Smell"

• The flowers smell fragrant. (Predicate adjective: fragrant)
• The kitchen smells burnt. (Predicate adjective: burnt)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Predicate Adjectives with Attributive Adjectives

Predicate adjectives come after the linking verb, while attributive adjectives appear before the noun. Make sure not to confuse the placement of these adjectives.

Examples

• Attributive: The blue sky (blue describes the noun "sky" before it).
• Predicate: The sky is blue (blue describes the noun "sky" after the linking verb "is").

2. Misplacing Adjectives

Ensure that predicate adjectives are used correctly by placing them after the linking verb and not before the subject.

Examples

• Incorrect: Tired is she.
• Correct: She is tired.

3. Using Predicate Adjectives with Action Verbs

Predicate adjectives must follow linking verbs. Do not use them with action verbs, as action verbs require different structures.

Examples

• Incorrect: She runs happy.
• Correct: She is happy.

Conclusion

Predicate adjectives are essential for describing and providing additional information about the subject of a sentence. By understanding their role and proper usage, you can enhance your writing and speaking by adding depth and clarity. Remember to use predicate adjectives following a linking verb and ensure they accurately describe the subject's state or quality. Mastering predicate adjectives will improve your ability to communicate detailed and vivid descriptions in your language.