Introduction
When we learn English, we often come across the term "predicate" or "predicative". These terms refer to the part of a sentence that comes after the verb and describes the subject. In English, the predicate can be divided into two parts: the verb and the predicate complement. The predicate complement is also known as the "predicate noun" or "predicate adjective", which is the part that describes or renames the subject. In this article, we will focus on the predicate complement, or what is commonly known as the "predicate adjective" or "predicate noun".
What is a predicate complement?
A predicate complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes the subject. It is also known as a "predicate adjective" or "predicate noun". A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that describes or renames it. The most common linking verbs in English are "be", "seem", "appear", "become", "feel", "look", "smell", "sound", and "taste".
Examples of predicate adjectives
A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject. Here are some examples:
- The cake smells delicious.
- The flowers look beautiful.
- The weather seems nice today.
- The water feels cold.
In each of these sentences, the linking verb connects the subject to the predicate adjective that describes it. For example, in the first sentence, "smells" is the linking verb and "delicious" is the predicate adjective that describes the cake.
Examples of predicate nouns
A predicate noun is a noun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject. Here are some examples:
- She is a doctor.
- He became a teacher.
- The dog seems happy.
- I feel like a winner.
In each of these sentences, the linking verb connects the subject to the predicate noun that renames it. For example, in the first sentence, "is" is the linking verb and "doctor" is the predicate noun that renames "she".
Conclusion
The predicate complement, or the "predicate adjective" or "predicate noun", is an important part of English grammar. It helps us to describe or rename the subject of a sentence, and it is often used with linking verbs. By understanding how to use predicate adjectives and predicate nouns, we can improve our English writing and speaking skills.
