One of the fascinating aspects of mastering the English language is understanding the different components that make up a sentence. Among these components are predicate adjectives, which play a pivotal role in adding depth and detail to your communication. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of what predicate adjectives are, how to use them effectively, and common pitfalls to avoid.
What Are Predicate Adjectives?
Predicate adjectives are adjectives that follow a linking verb and describe the subject of the sentence. Unlike adjectives that appear directly before a noun (known as attributive adjectives), predicate adjectives are positioned in the predicate part of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” the word “blue” is a predicate adjective. It describes the subject “the sky” and follows the linking verb “is.”
Understanding Linking Verbs
To grasp predicate adjectives fully, you need to be familiar with linking verbs. Linking verbs, also known as copulative verbs, connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement. A subject complement can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that provides more information about the subject. Common linking verbs include:
– To be (am, is, are, was, were, being, been)
– To become (become, becomes, became, becoming)
– To seem (seem, seems, seemed, seeming)
Less common linking verbs include verbs like “appear,” “feel,” “look,” “sound,” “taste,” and “smell,” which can also serve as linking verbs in specific contexts.
Examples of Linking Verbs in Sentences
1. She is happy.
2. The soup smells delicious.
3. He became a doctor.
4. The movie seems interesting.
5. The cake tastes sweet.
In each of these examples, the linking verb connects the subject to a predicate adjective or a noun that describes or identifies the subject.
Predicate Adjectives vs. Attributive Adjectives
It is essential to distinguish between predicate adjectives and attributive adjectives. Attributive adjectives directly modify a noun and typically appear before the noun they describe. For example:
– The blue sky.
– A delicious soup.
– An interesting movie.
In contrast, predicate adjectives follow a linking verb and are part of the predicate. For example:
– The sky is blue.
– The soup smells delicious.
– The movie seems interesting.
Understanding this distinction helps you to construct sentences more clearly and effectively.
Forming Sentences with Predicate Adjectives
Forming sentences with predicate adjectives is relatively straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:
1. **Identify the subject**: Determine what or who the sentence is about.
2. **Choose a linking verb**: Select an appropriate linking verb that connects the subject to the predicate adjective.
3. **Select a predicate adjective**: Pick an adjective that describes or provides more information about the subject.
Examples
1. **Subject**: The flowers
**Linking Verb**: are
**Predicate Adjective**: beautiful
**Sentence**: The flowers are beautiful.
2. **Subject**: The weather
**Linking Verb**: feels
**Predicate Adjective**: cold
**Sentence**: The weather feels cold.
3. **Subject**: The students
**Linking Verb**: seem
**Predicate Adjective**: tired
**Sentence**: The students seem tired.
Common Pitfalls and Mistakes
While using predicate adjectives is generally straightforward, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of:
Mistake 1: Misidentifying Linking Verbs
Not all verbs that seem like linking verbs actually function as such. For example, the verb “grow” can be a linking verb in “He grew tall,” but it acts as an action verb in “He grew vegetables in his garden.” Ensure the verb you choose functions as a linking verb in the context of your sentence.
Mistake 2: Using Adverbs Instead of Adjectives
Remember, predicate adjectives describe the subject, not the verb. Using an adverb instead of an adjective is a common mistake. For example, it is incorrect to say “The soup smells deliciously.” The correct sentence is “The soup smells delicious.”
Mistake 3: Confusing Predicate Adjectives with Predicate Nouns
Predicate adjectives describe the subject, whereas predicate nouns rename or identify the subject. For example:
– Predicate Adjective: The sky is blue.
– Predicate Noun: She is a teacher.
Ensure you use the right form based on what you intend to convey.
Advanced Usage of Predicate Adjectives
Once you are comfortable with basic predicate adjectives, you can explore more advanced structures and usages. Here are a few:
Comparative and Superlative Forms
Predicate adjectives can also appear in their comparative and superlative forms. For example:
– Comparative: The weather is colder today than yesterday.
– Superlative: This is the happiest I’ve ever been.
Multiple Predicate Adjectives
A sentence can have more than one predicate adjective. For example:
– The movie was long and boring.
– She felt tired and hungry.
When using multiple predicate adjectives, ensure they are parallel in structure and meaning.
Predicate Adjectives in Questions
Predicate adjectives can also be used in questions. For example:
– Is the sky blue?
– Are the flowers beautiful?
In these cases, the linking verb is placed before the subject to form a question.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of predicate adjectives, practice with these exercises:
Exercise 1: Identify the Predicate Adjective
In the following sentences, identify the predicate adjective:
1. The cake tastes sweet.
2. The ocean looks calm.
3. She is excited about the trip.
4. The room became stuffy.
5. The music sounds soothing.
Exercise 2: Rewrite with Predicate Adjectives
Rewrite the following sentences using predicate adjectives:
1. The sky is of a blue color.
2. The soup has a delicious smell.
3. The movie has an interesting plot.
4. The flowers are of a beautiful variety.
5. The students have a tired appearance.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create five sentences using predicate adjectives. Use a variety of subjects and linking verbs to practice.
Conclusion
Predicate adjectives are a crucial aspect of English grammar that enhance the clarity and expressiveness of your sentences. By understanding their role and how to use them correctly, you can describe subjects more vividly and accurately. Remember to distinguish between linking verbs and action verbs, use adjectives instead of adverbs, and practice forming sentences with predicate adjectives regularly.
Mastering predicate adjectives will not only improve your writing but also your speaking skills, making your communication more effective and engaging. So, keep practicing and experimenting with different sentence structures, and soon you’ll find yourself using predicate adjectives with confidence and ease.
