When learning English, one of the important grammatical concepts to understand is the use of predicate adjectives. These adjectives play a crucial role in sentence structure and meaning, and mastering their use can significantly enhance your language skills. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of predicate adjectives, exploring their definition, usage, and various intricacies. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to effectively use predicate adjectives in your writing and speech.
What are Predicate Adjectives?
Predicate adjectives are adjectives that follow a linking verb and describe the subject of the sentence. Unlike attributive adjectives, which appear directly before the noun they modify, predicate adjectives come after the verb. For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” the word “blue” is a predicate adjective because it follows the linking verb “is” and describes the subject “the sky.”
The linking verbs most commonly associated with predicate adjectives include forms of the verb “to be” (am, is, are, was, were, etc.), as well as other verbs like “seem,” “become,” “appear,” “feel,” “look,” “sound,” “taste,” and “smell.” These verbs do not express action but rather connect the subject with a description or state of being.
Examples of Predicate Adjectives
To better understand predicate adjectives, let’s look at some examples:
1. The flowers are beautiful.
2. The soup tastes delicious.
3. He seems tired after the long trip.
4. The concert was amazing.
5. She became angry when she heard the news.
In each of these sentences, the predicate adjective follows a linking verb and provides additional information about the subject.
Identifying Predicate Adjectives
Recognizing predicate adjectives in sentences requires a keen eye for linking verbs and an understanding of their function. Here are a few steps to help you identify predicate adjectives:
1. **Locate the subject of the sentence**: The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about.
2. **Find the linking verb**: Look for verbs that do not show action but rather connect the subject to a description or state of being.
3. **Identify the adjective following the linking verb**: This adjective describes the subject and is your predicate adjective.
Let’s apply these steps to a sentence: “The weather feels chilly.”
1. The subject is “the weather.”
2. The linking verb is “feels.”
3. The adjective following the linking verb is “chilly,” which describes the weather.
Therefore, “chilly” is the predicate adjective in this sentence.
Common Linking Verbs
As mentioned earlier, predicate adjectives typically follow linking verbs. Understanding common linking verbs will help you easily identify predicate adjectives. Here are some frequently used linking verbs:
– Forms of “to be”: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
– Seem
– Become
– Appear
– Feel
– Look
– Sound
– Taste
– Smell
Consider the sentence “The cake smells wonderful.” The word “smells” is a linking verb, and “wonderful” is the predicate adjective describing the cake.
Special Cases: Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs
It’s important to distinguish between linking verbs and action verbs, as they can sometimes be the same word but function differently in sentences. For instance, “look” can be both a linking verb and an action verb:
1. Linking verb: “She looks happy.”
2. Action verb: “She looks at the painting.”
In the first sentence, “looks” is a linking verb connecting the subject “she” with the predicate adjective “happy.” In the second sentence, “looks” is an action verb describing what “she” is doing.
The Role of Predicate Adjectives in Sentence Structure
Predicate adjectives play a significant role in sentence structure by providing essential information about the subject. They help convey emotions, states of being, qualities, and characteristics, enriching the meaning of sentences. Let’s explore how predicate adjectives contribute to sentence structure and meaning in different contexts.
Describing Emotions and States of Being
Predicate adjectives are often used to describe emotions and states of being. For example:
1. He felt anxious before the exam.
2. They are excited about the trip.
3. She seems nervous during the interview.
In these sentences, the predicate adjectives “anxious,” “excited,” and “nervous” describe the emotional states of the subjects.
Expressing Qualities and Characteristics
Predicate adjectives can also express qualities and characteristics of the subject:
1. The movie was boring.
2. The garden looks lush and green.
3. The presentation sounded informative.
Here, the predicate adjectives “boring,” “lush,” “green,” and “informative” provide information about the qualities and characteristics of the subjects.
Enhancing Imagery and Descriptions
Using predicate adjectives effectively can enhance imagery and descriptions in writing, making it more vivid and engaging. Consider the difference between these two sentences:
1. The forest is dense.
2. The forest is mysteriously dense.
The second sentence, with the predicate adjective “mysteriously dense,” paints a more vivid picture and evokes a sense of intrigue.
Predicate Adjectives vs. Attributive Adjectives
Understanding the difference between predicate adjectives and attributive adjectives is crucial for mastering their use. While both types of adjectives describe nouns, their placement and function in sentences differ.
Attributive Adjectives
Attributive adjectives appear directly before the nouns they modify. They provide immediate descriptions and are part of the noun phrase. For example:
1. The red car sped down the road.
2. She has a beautiful smile.
3. They adopted a playful puppy.
In these sentences, the attributive adjectives “red,” “beautiful,” and “playful” appear before the nouns “car,” “smile,” and “puppy,” respectively.
Predicate Adjectives
Predicate adjectives, as discussed earlier, follow linking verbs and describe the subject. For instance:
1. The car is red.
2. Her smile is beautiful.
3. The puppy is playful.
In these sentences, the predicate adjectives “red,” “beautiful,” and “playful” follow the linking verbs “is” and describe the subjects “the car,” “her smile,” and “the puppy.”
Common Mistakes with Predicate Adjectives
As with any grammatical concept, there are common mistakes that learners might make when using predicate adjectives. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and use predicate adjectives more effectively.
Confusing Predicate Adjectives with Adverbs
One common mistake is confusing predicate adjectives with adverbs. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, while predicate adjectives describe the subject of the sentence. For example:
Incorrect: The soup tastes deliciously.
Correct: The soup tastes delicious.
In the incorrect sentence, “deliciously” is an adverb, but it should be an adjective, “delicious,” to describe the subject “the soup.”
Using Predicate Adjectives with Action Verbs
Another mistake is using predicate adjectives with action verbs instead of linking verbs. Predicate adjectives should follow linking verbs that connect the subject to a description. For example:
Incorrect: She runs quick.
Correct: She runs quickly.
In the incorrect sentence, “quick” is an adjective, but it should be an adverb, “quickly,” to modify the action verb “runs.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of predicate adjectives, try these practice exercises. Identify the predicate adjectives in each sentence:
1. The cake smells delicious.
2. The students seem eager to learn.
3. The sky looks clear and bright.
4. The music sounds soothing.
5. The room became quiet after the announcement.
Answers:
1. Delicious
2. Eager
3. Clear, bright
4. Soothing
5. Quiet
Conclusion
Predicate adjectives are essential components of English grammar that describe the subject of a sentence and follow linking verbs. By understanding their function and usage, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills, making your descriptions more vivid and precise. Remember to distinguish between predicate adjectives and adverbs, as well as between linking verbs and action verbs. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll master the art of using predicate adjectives effectively in no time.
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of predicate adjectives, go ahead and apply this knowledge to your language learning journey. Happy learning!
