In the world of language learning, understanding various grammatical structures is essential for mastering any language. One such structure that often confounds learners is the use of adjectives as predicates. This article will delve into the concept of adjectives as predicates, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding and using them effectively in English.
What is an Adjective as Predicate?
An adjective as a predicate, also known as a predicate adjective, is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. Unlike attributive adjectives, which directly modify a noun (e.g., “a red apple”), predicate adjectives are part of the predicate and provide additional information about the subject.
For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” the adjective “blue” is a predicate adjective. It follows the linking verb “is” and describes the subject “the sky.”
Linking Verbs and Predicate Adjectives
To properly understand predicate adjectives, it’s crucial to grasp the role of linking verbs. Linking verbs, sometimes called copular verbs, connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which can be either a noun (predicate nominative) or an adjective (predicate adjective). Common linking verbs include:
– To be (is, am, are, was, were)
– To seem (seems, seemed)
– To become (becomes, became)
– To appear (appears, appeared)
– To feel (feels, felt)
– To look (looks, looked)
– To sound (sounds, sounded)
– To taste (tastes, tasted)
In the sentence “She seems happy,” the linking verb “seems” connects the subject “she” to the predicate adjective “happy,” which describes her state of being.
Forming Predicate Adjectives
Forming predicate adjectives in English is relatively straightforward. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. **Position**: Predicate adjectives always come after the linking verb, not before the noun they describe. For instance, “The cake tastes delicious,” not “The delicious cake tastes.”
2. **Agreement**: Predicate adjectives must agree in number with the subject. For example, “The children are excited” (plural subject) versus “The child is excited” (singular subject).
3. **Adjective Types**: Any descriptive adjective can function as a predicate adjective. This includes adjectives denoting size, color, shape, emotion, and more. Examples include “The room is spacious,” “The flowers are red,” and “He feels sad.”
Examples of Predicate Adjectives
To further illustrate the concept, let’s look at more examples of predicate adjectives in action:
1. The soup smells delicious.
2. The weather became cold.
3. The baby looks sleepy.
4. The music sounds loud.
5. The movie was boring.
In each of these sentences, the adjectives “delicious,” “cold,” “sleepy,” “loud,” and “boring” are predicate adjectives that provide additional information about the subject.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though the concept of predicate adjectives is relatively simple, learners often make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Adjective
One common error is placing the adjective before the linking verb instead of after it. For example, saying “The blue sky is” instead of “The sky is blue.” Always ensure that the predicate adjective follows the linking verb.
2. Confusing Linking Verbs with Action Verbs
Linking verbs connect the subject to an adjective or noun, while action verbs describe what the subject is doing. For instance, in “She looks happy,” “looks” is a linking verb, but in “She looks at the painting,” “looks” is an action verb. Ensure you’re using linking verbs when forming predicate adjectives.
3. Overlooking Subject-Verb Agreement
Ensure that the verb agrees with the subject in number and person. For example, “The dogs are friendly” (plural subject) versus “The dog is friendly” (singular subject).
Advanced Uses of Predicate Adjectives
Once you have a solid grasp of basic predicate adjectives, you can explore more advanced uses. Here are a few:
1. Compound Predicate Adjectives
Sometimes, a subject may have more than one predicate adjective connected by conjunctions like “and” or “but.” For example, “The garden is both beautiful and serene” or “The task was difficult but rewarding.”
2. Predicate Adjectives with Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) can also be used with predicate adjectives. For instance, “She might be nervous” or “He must be tired.”
3. Predicate Adjectives in Questions
When forming questions, the predicate adjective follows the subject and the linking verb. For example, “Is the movie interesting?” or “Are the students ready?”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of predicate adjectives, let’s try a few practice exercises. Transform the following sentences by adding a suitable predicate adjective:
1. The cake (to be) __________.
2. The flowers (to look) __________.
3. The weather (to feel) __________.
4. The music (to sound) __________.
5. The baby (to seem) __________.
Here are some possible answers:
1. The cake is delicious.
2. The flowers look beautiful.
3. The weather feels warm.
4. The music sounds melodious.
5. The baby seems happy.
Conclusion
Understanding and using predicate adjectives is a vital skill for mastering English grammar. These adjectives, which follow linking verbs and describe the subject, provide essential information about the state or quality of the subject. By familiarizing yourself with common linking verbs, practicing proper placement, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently use predicate adjectives in your writing and speech.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and mastering grammatical structures like predicate adjectives is just one step along the way. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the process of becoming proficient in English. Happy learning!
