key term - Predicate adjective

Definition

A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies the subject of the sentence, providing more information about it. It plays a crucial role in sentence structure by helping to describe the state or quality of the subject, thus enhancing the overall meaning of the sentence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Predicate adjectives are always linked to the subject by a linking verb such as 'is', 'are', 'was', or 'were'.
2. They can appear in various forms, including comparative and superlative forms, to provide more nuanced descriptions.
3. Predicate adjectives do not appear before nouns; they always follow linking verbs in the sentence.
4. Multiple predicate adjectives can be used in a single sentence to provide richer descriptions of the subject.
5. The function of a predicate adjective is essential for creating complete and informative sentences, enhancing clarity in communication.

Review Questions

• What role does a predicate adjective play in modifying the subject of a sentence, and how does it relate to linking verbs?
  • A predicate adjective modifies the subject of a sentence by following a linking verb and providing information about the subject's state or quality. For instance, in the sentence 'The flowers are beautiful,' 'beautiful' is the predicate adjective that describes 'the flowers.' This connection emphasizes how important linking verbs are for establishing relationships between subjects and their descriptors.
• Compare and contrast predicate adjectives with subject complements. How do they function differently within sentences?
  • Predicate adjectives and subject complements both serve to provide additional information about the subject, but they differ slightly in their roles. A predicate adjective specifically describes an attribute of the subject after a linking verb, while a subject complement can also be a noun or pronoun that renames or re-identifies the subject. For example, in 'She is an artist,' 'an artist' serves as a subject complement, while in 'She is talented,' 'talented' functions as the predicate adjective.
• Evaluate how understanding predicate adjectives enhances your overall comprehension of English grammar and effective communication.
  • Understanding predicate adjectives enhances comprehension of English grammar by clarifying how subjects are described and defined within sentences. This knowledge allows for more precise and impactful communication, as it helps writers and speakers construct sentences that convey clear meanings. Additionally, recognizing how predicate adjectives work with linking verbs aids in developing complex sentence structures, improving both written and spoken expression.

Related terms

linking verb:

A linking verb is a verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which can be a predicate adjective or a predicate nominative.

subject complement:

A subject complement is a word or group of words that follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject.

descriptive adjective: A descriptive adjective is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun by providing specific details about its attributes, characteristics, or qualities.