Learning about predicate adjectives is an essential aspect of mastering the English language. Predicate adjectives are adjectives that follow a linking verb and modify the subject of the sentence. They are different from attributive adjectives, which directly modify a noun and are usually placed before the noun they describe. Predicate adjectives, on the other hand, come after the verb and provide more information about the subject. Understanding how to use predicate adjectives correctly can greatly enhance your fluency and clarity in English.
What is a Predicate Adjective?
A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. Linking verbs, also known as copulative verbs, do not express action but rather connect the subject with additional information about the subject. Common linking verbs include forms of “to be” (am, is, are, was, were, etc.), “seem,” “become,” “appear,” “feel,” “look,” “sound,” “taste,” and “smell.”
For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” “blue” is a predicate adjective that describes the subject “sky” and follows the linking verb “is.”
Identifying Predicate Adjectives
To identify a predicate adjective, follow these steps:
1. **Locate the Subject:** Determine the subject of the sentence.
2. **Find the Linking Verb:** Look for a verb that connects the subject to additional information.
3. **Identify the Adjective:** Find the adjective that describes the subject and follows the linking verb.
Consider the sentence: “The cake tastes delicious.” Here, “cake” is the subject, “tastes” is the linking verb, and “delicious” is the predicate adjective that describes the subject.
Common Linking Verbs
To effectively use predicate adjectives, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with common linking verbs. These verbs serve as the bridge between the subject and the predicate adjective. Here is a list of frequently used linking verbs:
– **Forms of “to be”:** am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been
– **Sense verbs:** appear, feel, look, sound, taste, smell
– **State of being verbs:** seem, become, remain, stay, grow, turn
Understanding and recognizing these linking verbs will help you correctly identify and use predicate adjectives in sentences.
Examples of Predicate Adjectives
To better understand how predicate adjectives function in sentences, let’s explore some examples:
1. **The flowers are beautiful.**
– “Flowers” is the subject.
– “Are” is the linking verb.
– “Beautiful” is the predicate adjective describing the subject.
2. **She seems happy.**
– “She” is the subject.
– “Seems” is the linking verb.
– “Happy” is the predicate adjective describing the subject.
3. **The soup tastes salty.**
– “Soup” is the subject.
– “Tastes” is the linking verb.
– “Salty” is the predicate adjective describing the subject.
4. **The night sky looks clear.**
– “Night sky” is the subject.
– “Looks” is the linking verb.
– “Clear” is the predicate adjective describing the subject.
These examples illustrate how predicate adjectives provide additional information about the subject by following a linking verb.
Predicate Adjectives vs. Attributive Adjectives
It is important to distinguish between predicate adjectives and attributive adjectives. While both types of adjectives describe nouns, their placement and function in sentences differ.
– **Predicate Adjectives:** Follow a linking verb and describe the subject.
– Example: The car is fast. (“Fast” is a predicate adjective describing “car.”)
– **Attributive Adjectives:** Directly modify a noun and are placed before the noun.
– Example: The fast car won the race. (“Fast” is an attributive adjective modifying “car.”)
Understanding the difference between these two types of adjectives will help you use them correctly in your writing and speech.
Exercises for Practice
To reinforce your understanding of predicate adjectives, try the following exercises:
1. Identify the predicate adjectives in the following sentences:
– The weather feels chilly.
– Her voice sounds melodious.
– The coffee smells strong.
– The students are diligent.
2. Rewrite the sentences by changing the predicate adjectives to attributive adjectives:
– The weather feels chilly.
– The chilly weather feels refreshing.
– Her voice sounds melodious.
– Her melodious voice captivates the audience.
– The coffee smells strong.
– The strong coffee wakes me up.
– The students are diligent.
– The diligent students excel in their studies.
3. Create your own sentences using the following predicate adjectives:
– Joyful
– Frightening
– Tasty
– Mysterious
Practicing these exercises will help solidify your understanding of predicate adjectives and improve your ability to use them effectively.
Common Errors to Avoid
When learning about predicate adjectives, it is essential to be aware of common errors that learners often make. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
1. **Confusing Linking Verbs with Action Verbs:**
– Linking verbs connect the subject with additional information, while action verbs express actions. Ensure you correctly identify linking verbs to use predicate adjectives accurately.
– Incorrect: The cake smells the baker.
– Correct: The cake smells delicious.
2. **Misplacing Predicate Adjectives:**
– Predicate adjectives must follow a linking verb and describe the subject. Avoid placing them incorrectly in the sentence.
– Incorrect: The delicious cake smells.
– Correct: The cake smells delicious.
3. **Using Predicate Adjectives with Non-Linking Verbs:**
– Predicate adjectives should only follow linking verbs. Do not use them with action verbs.
– Incorrect: The cat runs fastly.
– Correct: The cat is fast.
By being mindful of these common errors, you can enhance your accuracy and fluency in using predicate adjectives.
Advanced Usage of Predicate Adjectives
As you become more comfortable with predicate adjectives, you can explore advanced usage and variations to add depth and sophistication to your language skills.
Predicate Adjective Clauses
Predicate adjectives can be part of adjective clauses that provide more detailed descriptions of the subject. These clauses often begin with relative pronouns like “that,” “which,” or “who.”
– Example: The book that she recommended is fascinating.
– “Fascinating” is a predicate adjective within the adjective clause “that she recommended.”
Compound Predicate Adjectives
Sometimes, more than one predicate adjective is used to describe the subject. These are known as compound predicate adjectives.
– Example: The weather is cold and windy.
– “Cold” and “windy” are compound predicate adjectives describing “weather.”
Predicate Adjectives in Comparative and Superlative Forms
Predicate adjectives can also be used in comparative and superlative forms to compare and highlight the degree of a quality.
– Comparative: The soup is saltier than the stew.
– “Saltier” is the comparative form of the predicate adjective “salty.”
– Superlative: This is the most delicious cake I have ever tasted.
– “Most delicious” is the superlative form of the predicate adjective “delicious.”
By incorporating these advanced usages into your language practice, you can elevate your proficiency and express yourself with greater precision.
Conclusion
Predicate adjectives play a vital role in the English language by providing essential information about the subject of a sentence. Understanding how to identify and use predicate adjectives correctly can significantly enhance your fluency and clarity in both writing and speech. Remember to distinguish predicate adjectives from attributive adjectives, and be mindful of common errors to avoid. As you continue to practice and explore advanced usage, you will gain confidence in your ability to use predicate adjectives effectively. By mastering predicate adjectives, you can add depth and sophistication to your language skills, making your communication more precise and engaging.
