Language learners often grapple with various elements of sentence structure, and one such element that frequently causes confusion is the use of adjectives, specifically **predicative adjectives**. Predicative adjectives play a crucial role in providing essential information about the subject of a sentence. This article aims to shed light on what predicative adjectives are, their usage, and how they differ from other types of adjectives. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of predicative adjectives and how to use them effectively in your writing and speech.
What Are Predicative Adjectives?
Predicative adjectives are adjectives that appear in the predicate of a sentence and describe the subject. Unlike attributive adjectives, which are placed directly before the noun they modify, predicative adjectives come after a **linking verb**. Common linking verbs include ‘be,’ ‘seem,’ ‘become,’ ‘appear,’ ‘feel,’ ‘sound,’ and ‘look.’ For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” the word “blue” is a predicative adjective describing the subject “sky.”
Predicative Adjectives vs. Attributive Adjectives
To fully grasp predicative adjectives, it’s essential to distinguish them from attributive adjectives. Attributive adjectives come before the noun they describe, as in “a blue sky.” Here, “blue” is an attributive adjective. In contrast, predicative adjectives follow a linking verb.
Consider these examples:
– Attributive: She wore a red dress.
– Predicative: Her dress is red.
Both sentences convey similar information, but the structure changes the adjective’s role. In the first sentence, “red” is an attributive adjective modifying “dress.” In the second sentence, “red” is a predicative adjective linked to “dress” through the verb “is.”
Common Linking Verbs
Understanding linking verbs is crucial for identifying and using predicative adjectives. Here are some commonly used linking verbs:
1. **Be**: am, is, are, was, were, being, been
2. **Seem**: She seems tired.
3. **Become**: He became angry.
4. **Appear**: They appear happy.
5. **Feel**: I feel great.
6. **Sound**: That sounds interesting.
7. **Look**: You look amazing.
8. **Taste**: The soup tastes delicious.
9. **Smell**: The flowers smell wonderful.
Linking verbs serve as the bridge between the subject and the predicative adjective. They do not express action but rather a state of being or condition.
Forms and Variations
Predicative adjectives can be simple or compound, and they can also be modified by adverbs to add nuance or emphasis. Let’s explore these variations:
Simple Predicative Adjectives
Simple predicative adjectives consist of a single word:
– The coffee is hot.
– The movie was entertaining.
– The solution seems obvious.
Compound Predicative Adjectives
Compound predicative adjectives consist of two or more words:
– The project is time-consuming.
– Her explanation was well-thought-out.
– The results appear user-friendly.
Modified Predicative Adjectives
Adverbs can modify predicative adjectives to provide additional information:
– The weather is surprisingly cold.
– His performance was incredibly impressive.
– The journey seems unbearably long.
Usage in Different Tenses
Predicative adjectives can be used in various tenses to describe the subject’s state or condition. Let’s look at examples in different tenses:
Present Tense
– She is happy.
– The water is cold.
– The book seems interesting.
Past Tense
– He was tired.
– The cake tasted delicious.
– The idea appeared brilliant.
Future Tense
– They will be excited.
– The weather will become warmer.
– The task will seem daunting.
Negative and Interrogative Forms
Predicative adjectives can also be used in negative and interrogative sentences:
Negative Sentences
To form negative sentences, add “not” after the linking verb:
– The soup is not hot.
– She does not seem tired.
– The plan was not well-thought-out.
Interrogative Sentences
To form questions, invert the subject and the linking verb:
– Is the soup hot?
– Does she seem tired?
– Was the plan well-thought-out?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Language learners often make mistakes when using predicative adjectives. Here are some common errors and tips to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the Adjective
Incorrect: The sky blue is.
Correct: The sky is blue.
Remember, the predicative adjective follows the linking verb.
2. Using an Action Verb Instead of a Linking Verb
Incorrect: The cake tastes deliciously.
Correct: The cake tastes delicious.
“Delicious” is a predicative adjective, not an adverb. Use a linking verb to connect it to the subject.
3. Confusing Attributive and Predicative Adjectives
Incorrect: He is a tired.
Correct: He is tired.
“Is tired” is the correct predicative adjective form.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
Once you master the basics, you can explore more advanced aspects and nuances of predicative adjectives.
1. Predicate Nominatives
Predicate nominatives are nouns or pronouns that follow a linking verb and rename or identify the subject. They can sometimes be confused with predicative adjectives:
– She is a teacher. (Predicate nominative)
– She is happy. (Predicative adjective)
2. Combining Predicative Adjectives with Other Elements
Predicative adjectives can be combined with other grammatical elements to create complex sentences:
– The meal was both delicious and nutritious.
– The movie seemed long but entertaining.
Practice and Application
To become proficient in using predicative adjectives, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help reinforce your understanding:
Exercise 1: Identify the Predicative Adjective
In each sentence, identify the predicative adjective:
1. The flowers smell fragrant.
2. The soup tastes salty.
3. He became angry.
Exercise 2: Convert Attributive to Predicative
Rewrite the sentences, converting attributive adjectives to predicative adjectives:
1. She has a beautiful dress.
2. It was a long journey.
3. They are energetic children.
Exercise 3: Create Sentences
Create sentences using the following predicative adjectives:
1. Happy
2. Boring
3. Creative
Conclusion
Predicative adjectives are a fundamental aspect of English grammar that provide valuable information about the subject of a sentence. By understanding their role, distinguishing them from attributive adjectives, and practicing their use, you can enhance your language skills and create more precise, engaging sentences. Remember to pay attention to linking verbs and practice regularly to become confident in using predicative adjectives effectively. Happy learning!
