Predicate Nouns and Adjectives

So far… So far we have talked about Objects that come after action verbs. We are now learning what comes after linking verbs.

The Subject Complement This is not something nice you say to a subject. The subject complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that comes after a linking verb and identify or describe the subject. There are two kinds: Predicate Nouns and Predicate Adjectives.

Remember Linking Verbs The most common linking verb is “to be” am was are were is are were Also: be, being, been The following are sometimes linking verbs Appear Feel Look Seem Sound Taste Become Grow Remain Smell Stay Turn

Predicate Nouns Earlier we learned that a Direct Object receives the action of the action verb. Now we are learning that a Predicate Noun is linked to the Subject by a linking verb. Remember that linking verbs act like equals signs. The Subject = Predicate Noun

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Examples Jim is my youth pastor. He is a really nice guy. At first he seemed to be a nerd. He has been a student in seminary for years. However, he soon became our friend. Jim will always be an important person in my life.

Things to know A Predicate Noun is always a Noun (obviously). A Predicate Noun will never come inside a prepositional phrase. Unless it is a question, the Predicate Noun will always come after the linking verb: Subject-Linking Verb-Predicate Noun Predicate Nouns always use Subject pronouns (not object pronouns) I, he, she, we, they, who

Practice Label the PN My school is Mandeville Jr. High The students are a collection of all types of kids. Some kids are skaters. Some kids seem to be skaters but are preppies. Other kids have always been rap fans. Two kids are country music types. They are nice.

Practice Label the PN My school is Mandeville Jr. High. The students are a collection of all types of kids. Some kids are skaters. Some kids seem to be skaters but are preppies. Other kids have always been rap fans. Two kids are country music types. They are nice. (None)

How come “nice” is not a PN? “Nice” is an adjective. A Predicate Noun must be a Noun. “Nice” is a Predicate Adjective.

Predicate Adjective A Predicate Adjective is similar to a Predicate Noun in that it always comes after a Linking Verb. The Predicate Adjective is always an Adjective. The PA describes/modifies the Subject. Since a Linking Verb acts like an equals sign, Subject = Predicate Adjective You will not have a PN and a PA next to each other!

Examples Sarah is cool. Before this year, she seemed really shy. Her voice sounds really soft and quiet. However, her guitar playing has become loud. She is awfully talented with her guitar. Some day she will be a famous musician.

How to Label When labeling Subject Complements: Mark Out Prepositional Phrases first Label the Subject Find the Verb. Is it an Action Verb (AV) or a Linking Verb (LV) If it is a Linking Verb, what word is the Subject being linked to? Is that word a Noun (PN) or an Adjective (PA)?

Practice My favorite basketball team is the Lakers. They were awesome last year. This year they seem distracted. During the championship they will be victorious. Hopefully, they are the best team again. They should win their division at least.

Practice: PN or PA My favorite basketball team is the Lakers. They were awesome last year. This year they seem distracted. During the championship they will be victorious. Hopefully, they are the best team again. They should win their division at least. (None)

More Practice The Clippers are my other favorite team. They are not very good. However, their games are so exciting. Their players have grown very skillful. Their best players are rookies and sophomores. They dunk the ball really well. Who is your favorite?

More Practice: PN or PA The Clippers are my other favorite team. The are not very good. However, their games are so exciting. Their players have grown very skillful. Their best players are rookies and sophomores. They dunk the ball really well. (None) Who is your favorite?

Practice Labeling PA’s, PN’s, and DO’s Yoda is very talented with the force. He is the oldest Jedi. He may be short, but he is tough! Yoda used to be a puppet in the old movies. Now, they make him on a computer. In this movie, Yoda has a lightsaber. His lightsaber is short and green. Why does he need a cane?

Practice Labeling PA’s, PN’s, and DO’s Yoda is very talented with the force. He is the oldest Jedi. He may be short, but he is tough! Yoda used to be a puppet in the old movies. Now, they make him on a computer. In this movie, Yoda has a lightsaber. His lightsaber is short and green. Why does he need a cane?

Practice Labeling PA’s, PN’s and DO’s Spongebob is big and yellow. His friend is Patrick. Patrick looks kind of funny today.

Practice Labeling PA’s, PN’s and DO’s Spongebob is big and yellow. His friend is Patrick. Patrick looks kinda funny today.