In English grammar, predicate adjectives are adjectives that come after linking verbs and describe the subject of the sentence. They play a key role in expressing how someone or something is—helping to provide important details in a clear and concise way.
For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” the word blue is a predicate adjective describing the subject sky. These types of adjectives are essential for making your sentences more descriptive and grammatically complete.
This guide is designed to help English learners of all levels—whether you’re just starting out or looking to polish your grammar. You’ll learn what predicate adjectives are, how they’re structured, and when to use them. With plenty of examples, common pitfalls to avoid, and practice exercises, you’ll gain the skills to use predicate adjectives confidently in both writing and conversation.
Let’s dive in and learn how these simple yet powerful adjectives can make your English more accurate and expressive.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Predicate Adjectives
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Predicate Adjectives
- Examples of Predicate Adjectives
- Usage Rules for Predicate Adjectives
- Common Mistakes with Predicate Adjectives
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Introduction
Predicate adjectives are essential components of sentence structure, providing crucial information about the subject. They follow linking verbs and describe or modify the subject, adding depth and detail to our communication.
Mastering predicate adjectives enables writers and speakers to express themselves more accurately and vividly. This comprehensive guide will explore the various aspects of predicate adjectives, from their basic definition to advanced usage, ensuring a solid understanding for learners of all levels.
Understanding predicate adjectives not only improves grammar but also enhances overall communication skills.
Definition of Predicate Adjectives
A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies or describes the subject of the sentence. Unlike attributive adjectives, which precede the noun they modify (e.g., the blue car), predicate adjectives appear after a linking verb and refer back to the subject (e.g., the car is blue). Linking verbs connect the subject to the predicate adjective, indicating a state of being or a quality of the subject.
Predicate adjectives are part of the subject complement, which is a word or group of words that follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject. They provide essential information about the subject’s characteristics, condition, or state. Identifying predicate adjectives involves recognizing the linking verb and the adjective that modifies the subject. Common linking verbs include be (is, are, was, were, am, been, being), become, seem, appear, look, feel, taste, smell, and sound.
Classification of Predicate Adjectives
Predicate adjectives, while always describing the subject via a linking verb, can be further classified based on the type of quality they express. This classification helps in understanding the nuances of their usage and provides a more detailed understanding of their function within a sentence.
- Descriptive Adjectives: These are the most common type, describing a quality or characteristic of the subject. Examples include: happy, sad, tall, short, beautiful, ugly, etc.
- Evaluative Adjectives: These express a judgment or opinion about the subject. Examples include: good, bad, excellent, terrible, wonderful, awful, etc.
- State-Related Adjectives: These describe the current state or condition of the subject. Examples include: tired, awake, sick, healthy, ready, prepared, etc.
Function of Predicate Adjectives
The primary function of a predicate adjective is to provide information about the subject of a sentence. This information can be descriptive, evaluative, or related to the subject’s state.
By using predicate adjectives, we can convey detailed and nuanced information about the subject, making our writing and speech more vivid and informative. They help paint a clearer picture of the subject’s qualities or condition.
Contexts of Predicate Adjectives
Predicate adjectives are used in various contexts, from simple declarative sentences to more complex constructions. They are frequently used in descriptive writing, where the goal is to create a vivid image of a person, place, or thing.
They are also common in everyday conversation, where they help us to express our feelings, opinions, and observations. Understanding the different contexts in which predicate adjectives can be used allows for more versatile and effective communication.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of a sentence with a predicate adjective is as follows: Subject + Linking Verb + Predicate Adjective. The linking verb connects the subject to the predicate adjective, indicating a state of being or a quality of the subject. Understanding this structure is crucial for correctly identifying and using predicate adjectives. The subject and linking verb form the foundation upon which the predicate adjective adds descriptive detail.
Identifying the Linking Verb: Recognizing linking verbs is essential for distinguishing predicate adjectives from other types of adjectives. Common linking verbs include forms of be (is, are, was, were, am, been, being), as well as verbs such as become, seem, appear, look, feel, taste, smell, and sound. These verbs do not express action; instead, they connect the subject to a descriptive word or phrase.
Position of the Predicate Adjective: The predicate adjective always follows the linking verb and modifies the subject. It does not precede the noun it modifies, as attributive adjectives do. This positioning is a key characteristic that distinguishes predicate adjectives from attributive adjectives. The predicate adjective completes the sentence by providing information about the subject’s characteristics or state.
Common Linking Verbs
Linking verbs are the backbone of sentences containing predicate adjectives. They connect the subject to the adjective, creating a complete thought.
The most common linking verb is “to be” in its various forms. Other verbs can also function as linking verbs depending on the context.
- Forms of “to be”: is, are, was, were, am, been, being
- Sense Verbs: look, feel, smell, taste, sound
- Verbs of Becoming: become, seem, appear, grow, turn, prove, remain
Distinguishing from Attributive Adjectives
It’s important to distinguish predicate adjectives from attributive adjectives. Attributive adjectives precede the noun they modify, while predicate adjectives follow a linking verb and modify the subject.
This distinction is crucial for understanding sentence structure and grammar.
Consider these examples:
- Attributive Adjective: The tall building stood downtown. (tall modifies the noun building directly)
- Predicate Adjective: The building is tall. (tall follows the linking verb is and modifies the subject building)
Types of Predicate Adjectives
Predicate adjectives can be categorized based on the type of information they convey about the subject. Understanding these categories can enhance your ability to use predicate adjectives effectively and accurately.
The categories include descriptive, evaluative, and state-related adjectives.
Descriptive Adjectives
Descriptive adjectives provide information about the qualities or characteristics of the subject. They help to create a vivid image of the subject in the reader’s or listener’s mind.
These adjectives are the most common type of predicate adjectives, offering details about appearance, size, color, and other attributes.
Examples:
- The sky is blue.
- The building is tall.
- The flower is beautiful.
- The food is delicious.
- The movie was interesting.
Evaluative Adjectives
Evaluative adjectives express a judgment or opinion about the subject. They reflect the speaker’s or writer’s perspective and can be subjective.
These adjectives add a layer of personal assessment to the description, indicating whether something is good, bad, or somewhere in between.
Examples:
- The idea is good.
- The performance was excellent.
- The weather is awful.
- The book is terrible.
- The concert was wonderful.
State-Related Adjectives
State-related adjectives describe the current condition or state of the subject. They indicate whether the subject is tired, awake, sick, healthy, or in some other specific condition.
These adjectives provide information about the subject’s temporary or ongoing status.
Examples:
- I am tired.
- The patient is sick.
- The team is ready.
- The door is open.
- The children are awake.
Examples of Predicate Adjectives
Understanding predicate adjectives requires seeing them in action. The following tables provide extensive examples, organized by category, to illustrate their usage and function.
These examples cover a wide range of subjects, linking verbs, and adjectives, offering a comprehensive view of how predicate adjectives work in different contexts.
Descriptive Examples Table
This table provides examples of descriptive predicate adjectives, showcasing how they describe the qualities or characteristics of the subject. Each example includes the subject, linking verb, and predicate adjective, highlighting the descriptive function of the adjective.
| Subject | Linking Verb | Predicate Adjective | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| The sky | is | blue | The sky is blue. |
| The building | is | tall | The building is tall. |
| The flower | is | beautiful | The flower is beautiful. |
| The food | tastes | delicious | The food tastes delicious. |
| The movie | was | interesting | The movie was interesting. |
| The coffee | smells | strong | The coffee smells strong. |
| The music | sounds | pleasant | The music sounds pleasant. |
| The fabric | feels | soft | The fabric feels soft. |
| The weather | is | warm | The weather is warm. |
| The ocean | looks | calm | The ocean looks calm. |
| The car | is | fast | The car is fast. |
| The house | is | big | The house is big. |
| The book | is | long | The book is long. |
| The path | is | narrow | The path is narrow. |
| The lake | is | deep | The lake is deep. |
| The shirt | is | clean | The shirt is clean. |
| The room | is | bright | The room is bright. |
| The garden | is | colorful | The garden is colorful. |
| The air | feels | fresh | The air feels fresh. |
| The bread | smells | sweet | The bread smells sweet. |
| The story | seems | complicated | The story seems complicated. |
| The solution | appears | simple | The solution appears simple. |
| The task | became | difficult | The task became difficult. |
| The situation | remained | tense | The situation remained tense. |
| The truth | proved | elusive | The truth proved elusive. |
Evaluative Examples Table
This table provides examples of evaluative predicate adjectives, illustrating how they express judgments or opinions about the subject. Each example includes the subject, linking verb, and predicate adjective, highlighting the evaluative function of the adjective.
| Subject | Linking Verb | Predicate Adjective | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| The idea | is | good | The idea is good. |
| The performance | was | excellent | The performance was excellent. |
| The weather | is | awful | The weather is awful. |
| The book | is | terrible | The book is terrible. |
| The concert | was | wonderful | The concert was wonderful. |
| The plan | seems | foolish | The plan seems foolish. |
| The decision | was | wise | The decision was wise. |
| The outcome | is | satisfactory | The outcome is satisfactory. |
| The result | was | disappointing | The result was disappointing. |
| The suggestion | sounds | helpful | The suggestion sounds helpful. |
| The movie | was | amazing | The movie was amazing. |
| The food | tastes | delicious | The food tastes delicious. |
| The service | was | impeccable | The service was impeccable. |
| The effort | was | commendable | The effort was commendable. |
| The behavior | is | unacceptable | The behavior is unacceptable. |
| The design | is | innovative | The design is innovative. |
| The approach | seems | promising | The approach seems promising. |
| The solution | is | effective | The solution is effective. |
| The strategy | proved | successful | The strategy proved successful. |
| The investment | turned | profitable | The investment turned profitable. |
| The analysis | was | thorough | The analysis was thorough. |
| The presentation | was | captivating | The presentation was captivating. |
| The argument | is | persuasive | The argument is persuasive. |
| The explanation | sounded | reasonable | The explanation sounded reasonable. |
State-Related Examples Table
This table provides examples of state-related predicate adjectives, illustrating how they describe the current condition or state of the subject. Each example includes the subject, linking verb, and predicate adjective, highlighting the state-related function of the adjective.
| Subject | Linking Verb | Predicate Adjective | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | tired | I am tired. |
| The patient | is | sick | The patient is sick. |
| The team | is | ready | The team is ready. |
| The door | is | open | The door is open. |
| The children | are | awake | The children are awake. |
| The food | is | cold | The food is cold. |
| The window | is | closed | The window is closed. |
| The computer | is | on | The computer is on. |
| The light | is | off | The light is off. |
| The battery | is | charged | The battery is charged. |
| The plants | are | alive | The plants are alive. |
| The machine | is | broken | The machine is broken. |
| The car | is | parked | The car is parked. |
| The documents | are | organized | The documents are organized. |
| The house | is | clean | The house is clean. |
| The audience | is | silent | The audience is silent. |
| The city | is | crowded | The city is crowded. |
| The store | is | busy | The store is busy. |
| The garden | is | blooming | The garden is blooming. |
| The project | is | finished | The project is finished. |
| The cake | is | baked | The cake is baked. |
| The letter | is | sealed | The letter is sealed. |
| The problem | remains | unsolved | The problem remains unsolved. |
| The question | appears | unanswered | The question appears unanswered. |
Usage Rules for Predicate Adjectives
Using predicate adjectives correctly involves understanding certain rules and guidelines. These rules ensure that the adjective accurately modifies the subject and that the sentence is grammatically correct.
Following these guidelines will help you avoid common mistakes and use predicate adjectives effectively.
Agreement with the Subject: The predicate adjective must agree with the subject in number. If the subject is singular, the adjective should also be singular. If the subject is plural, the adjective should be plural. This agreement ensures that the sentence is grammatically consistent and clear.
Use of Linking Verbs: Predicate adjectives must be used with linking verbs. Action verbs cannot be used with predicate adjectives because they do not connect the subject to a descriptive word or phrase. Choosing the correct linking verb is crucial for creating a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence.
Correct Placement: The predicate adjective must follow the linking verb and modify the subject. Placing the adjective in the wrong position can change the meaning of the sentence or make it grammatically incorrect. Proper placement is essential for clarity and accuracy.
Agreement with the Subject
Predicate adjectives must agree in number with the subject they modify. This means that if the subject is singular, the adjective should describe a singular subject, and if the subject is plural, the adjective should describe a plural subject.
This agreement is crucial for grammatical correctness.
- Singular: The flower is beautiful.
- Plural: The flowers are beautiful.
Linking Verbs Rules
Predicate adjectives require linking verbs to connect them to the subject. Using an action verb instead of a linking verb will result in an incorrect sentence structure.
Make sure to choose the appropriate linking verb to ensure clarity and accuracy.
- Correct: The cake tastes delicious.
- Incorrect: The cake eats delicious.
Placement Rules
The predicate adjective must follow the linking verb in the sentence. Placing it before the linking verb or in another part of the sentence can change the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Always ensure the correct placement for clarity.
- Correct: The room is bright.
- Incorrect: The bright is room.
Common Mistakes with Predicate Adjectives
Even experienced writers and speakers can make mistakes when using predicate adjectives. Understanding these common errors can help you avoid them and improve your grammar skills.
Common mistakes include confusing predicate adjectives with adverbs, misusing linking verbs, and incorrect placement of the adjective.
Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs: One common mistake is using an adverb instead of an adjective after a linking verb. Adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Using an adverb instead of an adjective can change the meaning of the sentence and make it grammatically incorrect.
Misusing Linking Verbs: Another common mistake is using an action verb instead of a linking verb. Linking verbs connect the subject to a descriptive word or phrase, while action verbs describe an action. Using an action verb instead of a linking verb can change the meaning of the sentence and make it grammatically incorrect.
Incorrect Placement: Placing the predicate adjective in the wrong position can also lead to errors. The predicate adjective must follow the linking verb and modify the subject. Placing the adjective in the wrong position can change the meaning of the sentence or make it grammatically incorrect.
Adjective vs. Adverb
A common mistake is using an adverb instead of a predicate adjective after a linking verb. Remember that predicate adjectives modify the subject, which is a noun, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
- Incorrect: He feels badly. (badly is an adverb)
- Correct: He feels bad. (bad is a predicate adjective describing his state)
Linking vs. Action Verbs
Another frequent error is using an action verb where a linking verb is required. Linking verbs connect the subject to the predicate adjective, while action verbs describe an action performed by the subject.
- Incorrect: The soup runs cold. (runs is an action verb)
- Correct: The soup is cold. (is is a linking verb connecting soup to cold)
Incorrect Placement Examples
Placing the adjective in the wrong position can change the meaning of the sentence or make it grammatically incorrect. The predicate adjective must follow the linking verb.
- Incorrect: The tall is building.
- Correct: The building is tall.
Practice Exercises
Testing your understanding of predicate adjectives is crucial for mastering their use. The following exercises provide opportunities to practice identifying and using predicate adjectives in various contexts.
These exercises cover different types of sentences and adjectives, allowing you to reinforce your knowledge and improve your skills.
Exercise 1: Identifying Predicate Adjectives: In each sentence, identify the predicate adjective.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The coffee is strong. | strong |
| The music sounds pleasant. | pleasant |
| The fabric feels soft. | soft |
| The weather is warm. | warm |
| The ocean looks calm. | calm |
| The car is fast. | fast |
| The house is big. | big |
| The idea is good. | good |
| The performance was excellent. | excellent |
| I am tired. | tired |
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences with Predicate Adjectives: Fill in the blank with an appropriate predicate adjective.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The sky is _____. | blue |
| The food tastes _____. | delicious |
| The movie was _____. | interesting |
| The plan seems _____. | foolish |
| The patient is _____. | sick |
| The team is _____. | ready |
| The door is _____. | open |
| The children are _____. | awake |
| The soup is _____. | hot |
| The room is _____. | bright |
Exercise 3: Correcting Mistakes: Identify and correct the mistake in each sentence.
| Question | Corrected Answer |
|---|---|
| He feels badly. | He feels bad. |
| The soup runs cold. | The soup is cold. |
| The tall is building. | The building is tall. |
| She looks nicely. | She looks nice. |
| The flowers smell sweetly. | The flowers smell sweet. |
| The cake is tastes delicious. | The cake tastes delicious. |
| They seems happy. | They seem happy. |
| The house is looks big. | The house looks big. |
| The water is feels cold. | The water feels cold. |
| The food is appears fresh. | The food appears fresh. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding more complex aspects of predicate adjectives can further enhance their grammar skills. These advanced topics include using predicate adjectives with compound subjects, understanding the nuances of different linking verbs, and using predicate adjectives in more complex sentence structures.
Exploring these topics will provide a deeper understanding of predicate adjectives and their role in English grammar.
Predicate Adjectives with Compound Subjects: When using predicate adjectives with compound subjects, ensure that the adjective agrees with the subjects as a whole. If the subjects are plural, the adjective should also be plural. This agreement ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and clear.
Nuances of Different Linking Verbs: Different linking verbs can convey slightly different meanings. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the most appropriate linking verb for your sentence, enhancing its clarity and precision. Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning between verbs like seem, appear, and become.
Predicate Adjectives in Complex Sentences: Predicate adjectives can also be used in more complex sentence structures, such as sentences with multiple clauses or phrases. Understanding how to use predicate adjectives in these contexts can enhance your ability to write clear and grammatically correct sentences.
Predicate Adjectives with Compound Subjects
When using predicate adjectives with compound subjects, ensure that the adjective agrees with the subjects as a whole. If the subjects are plural, the adjective should also be plural.
This agreement ensures that the sentence is grammatically correct and clear.
- Example:
- Correct: John and Mary are happy.
- Incorrect: John and Mary is happy.
Nuances of Different Linking Verbs
Different linking verbs can convey slightly different meanings. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the most appropriate linking verb for your sentence, enhancing its clarity and precision. Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning between verbs like seem, appear, and become.
- Example:
- Seem: The problem seems difficult. (suggests an impression)
- Appear: The problem appears difficult. (suggests a visible impression)
- Become: The problem became difficult. (suggests a change over time)
Predicate Adjectives in Complex Sentences
Predicate adjectives can also be used in more complex sentence structures, such as sentences with multiple clauses or phrases. Understanding how to use predicate adjectives in these contexts can enhance your ability to write clear and grammatically correct sentences.
- Example: Although the task seemed daunting, it was actually quite manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section addresses common questions about predicate adjectives, providing clear and concise answers to help you further understand their usage. These FAQs cover a range of topics, from basic definitions to more complex applications, ensuring that you have a solid understanding of predicate adjectives.
Q1: What is the difference between a predicate adjective and an attributive adjective?
A: A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and modifies the subject, while an attributive adjective precedes the noun it modifies. For example, in “The car is blue,” blue is a predicate adjective. In “The blue car,” blue is an attributive adjective.
Q2: Can a predicate adjective be a phrase or clause?
A: While typically a single adjective, a predicate complement can sometimes be a phrase, but it still functions to describe the subject. For example: “The child is full of energy.” However, it’s more common for single-word adjectives to serve as predicate adjectives.
Q3: What are some common linking verbs?
A: Common linking verbs include forms of be (is, are, was, were, am, been, being), as well as verbs such as become, seem, appear, look, feel, taste, smell, and sound.
Q4: How do I identify a predicate adjective in a sentence?
A: Look for a linking verb followed by an adjective that describes the subject of the sentence. The adjective should answer the question “What is the subject like?” or “What is the state of the subject?”
Q5: What happens if I use an adverb instead of a predicate adjective?
A: Using an adverb instead of a predicate adjective can change the meaning of the sentence and make it grammatically incorrect. Adjectives modify nouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. For example, “He feels badly” is incorrect; the correct sentence is “He feels bad.”
Q6: Do predicate adjectives have to agree with the subject in number?
A: Yes, predicate adjectives must agree with the subject in number. If the subject is singular, the adjective should be singular. If the subject is plural, the adjective should be plural. However, adjectives in English do not change form to indicate number, so this mainly applies to
agreement in the overall meaning of the sentence.
Q7: Can I use multiple predicate adjectives with one linking verb?
A: Yes, you can use multiple predicate adjectives with one linking verb. For example, “The sky is blue and beautiful.” In this sentence, both blue and beautiful are predicate adjectives modifying the subject sky.
Q8: Is it always necessary to use a predicate adjective in a sentence?
A: No, it is not always necessary to use a predicate adjective. Predicate adjectives are used to provide additional information about the subject, but sentences can be complete without them. The necessity depends on the information you want to convey.
Q9: How do I avoid common mistakes with predicate adjectives?
A: To avoid common mistakes, always ensure that you are using a linking verb, that the adjective agrees with the subject, and that the adjective is placed correctly after the linking verb. Also, be careful not to use an adverb instead of an adjective.
Q10: Can verbs other than forms of “to be” act as linking verbs?
A: Yes, verbs like become, seem, appear, look, feel, taste, smell, and sound can also act as linking verbs, depending on the context. These verbs connect the subject to a descriptive word or phrase.
Conclusion
Predicate adjectives are a vital component of effective communication, allowing for detailed descriptions and nuanced expressions. By understanding their definition, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills.
This comprehensive guide has provided the knowledge and practice needed to master predicate adjectives, ensuring clarity and precision in your language. Whether you are a student, writer, or language enthusiast, mastering predicate adjectives will undoubtedly elevate your ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas effectively.