Overview
A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb (like ‘is’, ‘am’, ‘are’, ‘was’, ‘were’, ‘seems’, ‘becomes’) and modifies the subject of the sentence. It describes a quality or state of the subject, rather than an action performed by it.
Key Concepts
Linking Verbs
Predicate adjectives are always linked to the subject by a linking verb. These verbs don’t show action; they connect the subject to a word or phrase that renames or describes it.
Modification of Subject
The adjective’s function is to describe the subject. It’s not modifying a noun directly, but rather providing information about the subject after the verb.
Deep Dive
Structure
The typical structure is: Subject + Linking Verb + Predicate Adjective.
Example: The sky is blue.
- ‘Sky’ is the subject.
- ‘is’ is the linking verb.
- ‘blue’ is the predicate adjective, describing the sky.
Distinction from Attributive Adjectives
Attributive adjectives come *before* the noun they modify (e.g., ‘a blue sky’). Predicate adjectives come *after* a linking verb.
Applications
Describing States and Qualities
Predicate adjectives are essential for expressing descriptions, feelings, and states of being.
Examples:
- She looks happy.
- The soup tastes delicious.
- He seems tired.
Challenges & Misconceptions
Adverbs vs. Adjectives
A common error is using an adverb instead of an adjective after a linking verb. Remember, linking verbs take adjectives to describe the subject.
Incorrect: She sings beautifully. (Here, ‘sings’ is an action verb, so ‘beautifully’ is an adverb modifying it.)
Correct: She is beautiful. (‘is’ is a linking verb, ‘beautiful’ is a predicate adjective modifying ‘She’.)
FAQs
What is a linking verb?
A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which can be a predicate adjective or a predicate noun.
Can a predicate adjective modify a pronoun?
Yes, a predicate adjective can modify a pronoun. Example: It seems difficult.