Adjectives are a fundamental part of any language, allowing us to add detail and description to the nouns and pronouns in our sentences. While many English learners are familiar with using adjectives in the attributive position (before the noun), understanding how to use them in the predicative position (after a verb) is equally crucial. This article will delve into the nuances of using adjectives in predicative position, explaining their function, providing examples, and offering practical tips for mastery.
Understanding Predicative Position
In English, adjectives can be used in two primary positions: attributive and predicative. Attributive adjectives come before the noun they describe, as in “a beautiful garden” or “an old book.” In contrast, predicative adjectives follow a verb and describe the subject of the sentence. Predicative adjectives typically follow linking verbs such as “to be,” “seem,” “become,” “appear,” “feel,” “look,” “sound,” “taste,” and “smell.”
For example:
– The garden is beautiful.
– The book seems old.
In these sentences, the adjectives “beautiful” and “old” come after the verbs “is” and “seems,” respectively, and describe the subjects “garden” and “book.”
Linking Verbs and Predicative Adjectives
Linking verbs play a vital role in sentences with predicative adjectives. Unlike action verbs, which express actions, linking verbs connect the subject of the sentence to additional information about the subject. This additional information often comes in the form of a predicative adjective.
Some common linking verbs include:
– To be (am, is, are, was, were, etc.)
– Seem
– Become
– Appear
– Feel
– Look
– Sound
– Taste
– Smell
Using predicative adjectives with these verbs helps convey the state or condition of the subject. For instance:
– She is happy.
– The soup tastes delicious.
– He became angry.
– The sky looks cloudy.
In each sentence, the predicative adjective follows the linking verb and provides essential information about the subject.
Forming Sentences with Predicative Adjectives
Creating sentences with predicative adjectives is straightforward once you understand the structure. Here are some steps to guide you:
1. **Identify the subject**: Determine the main noun or pronoun the sentence is about.
2. **Choose the appropriate linking verb**: Select a linking verb that fits the context of the sentence.
3. **Select a descriptive adjective**: Pick an adjective that accurately describes the subject.
4. **Construct the sentence**: Place the adjective after the linking verb to complete the sentence.
Let’s apply these steps with examples:
– Subject: The cat
– Linking verb: Is
– Adjective: Sleepy
Constructed sentence: The cat is sleepy.
– Subject: The movie
– Linking verb: Seems
– Adjective: Interesting
Constructed sentence: The movie seems interesting.
By following these steps, you can form clear and descriptive sentences using predicative adjectives.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
While using predicative adjectives is generally straightforward, some common mistakes can occur. Here are a few to watch out for:
1. **Confusing linking verbs with action verbs**: Remember that predicative adjectives follow linking verbs, not action verbs. For example:
– Incorrect: She runs happy.
– Correct: She is happy.
2. **Misplacing adjectives**: Ensure the adjective follows the linking verb. For example:
– Incorrect: The cake delicious is.
– Correct: The cake is delicious.
3. **Using adverbs instead of adjectives**: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, while adjectives describe nouns and pronouns. For example:
– Incorrect: The music sounds beautifully.
– Correct: The music sounds beautiful.
By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you can use predicative adjectives more accurately.
Enhancing Your Sentences with Predicative Adjectives
Predicative adjectives can add depth and detail to your sentences, making them more engaging and informative. Here are some tips to enhance your sentences using predicative adjectives:
1. **Vary your adjectives**: Use a range of adjectives to describe different subjects. This variety keeps your writing interesting and avoids repetition.
– Example: The sky looks blue. The sky looks cloudy. The sky looks stormy.
2. **Combine multiple adjectives**: When appropriate, use more than one adjective to provide a richer description.
– Example: The house is large and comfortable.
3. **Use comparative and superlative forms**: Comparative adjectives compare two things, while superlative adjectives compare three or more things. These forms can add specificity to your descriptions.
– Example: She is happier today than yesterday. This is the most delicious cake I’ve ever tasted.
4. **Incorporate sensory adjectives**: Sensory adjectives describe how things look, sound, taste, smell, or feel. These adjectives can create vivid imagery in your writing.
– Example: The flowers smell sweet. The fabric feels soft.
By applying these tips, you can create more dynamic and compelling sentences using predicative adjectives.
Practical Exercises for Mastery
To solidify your understanding of predicative adjectives, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you master their use:
1. **Sentence Construction**: Write ten sentences using predicative adjectives. Start with a subject, choose a linking verb, and select an adjective. For example:
– The water is cold.
– The teacher seems friendly.
2. **Adjective Variation**: Take a simple sentence and rewrite it using different predicative adjectives. For example:
– Original: The music is loud.
– Variations: The music is soft. The music is melodious. The music is annoying.
3. **Error Correction**: Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
– The soup smells wonderfully.
– He runs quickly.
– The movie interesting is.
Corrected sentences:
– The soup smells wonderful.
– He is quick.
– The movie is interesting.
4. **Descriptive Paragraph**: Write a short paragraph describing a place, person, or thing using at least five predicative adjectives. For example:
– The beach is beautiful in the evening. The sand feels warm beneath my feet. The waves sound calm and soothing. The sky looks majestic with hues of orange and pink.
By engaging in these exercises, you can practice and refine your use of predicative adjectives, making your writing more descriptive and engaging.
Conclusion
Using adjectives in the predicative position is a vital skill for any English language learner. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this article, you can enhance your ability to describe subjects accurately and vividly. Remember to identify the subject, choose the appropriate linking verb, and select a descriptive adjective to form clear and engaging sentences.
Understanding and mastering predicative adjectives will not only improve your writing but also your speaking skills, allowing you to communicate more effectively and expressively. Keep practicing, be mindful of common mistakes, and experiment with different adjectives to add variety and depth to your language use. With time and practice, using predicative adjectives will become second nature, enriching your overall command of the English language.
