Predicate Adjective vs. Predicate Nominative

Attribute	Predicate Adjective	Predicate Nominative
Function	Describes the subject	Renames or identifies the subject
Part of Speech	Adjective	Noun or pronoun
Placement	Comes after linking verbs	Comes after linking verbs
Examples	The sky is blue.	My brother is a doctor.

Definition

Predicate Adjective and Predicate Nominative are both types of predicate complements that are used to provide more information about the subject of a sentence. A Predicate Adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. A Predicate Nominative, on the other hand, is a noun or pronoun that renames or identifies the subject of the sentence.

Function

While both Predicate Adjective and Predicate Nominative serve to provide additional information about the subject of a sentence, they do so in slightly different ways. A Predicate Adjective describes the subject by providing more information about its characteristics or qualities. For example, in the sentence "The flowers are beautiful," the word "beautiful" is a Predicate Adjective that describes the subject "flowers." On the other hand, a Predicate Nominative renames or identifies the subject by providing a noun or pronoun that refers to the subject. In the sentence "She is a doctor," the word "doctor" is a Predicate Nominative that renames the subject "She."

Form

When identifying a Predicate Adjective in a sentence, look for a linking verb (such as "is," "are," "seem," "become") followed by an adjective that describes the subject. For example, in the sentence "The cake looks delicious," the linking verb "looks" is followed by the Predicate Adjective "delicious." On the other hand, to identify a Predicate Nominative, look for a linking verb followed by a noun or pronoun that renames the subject. In the sentence "He became the president," the linking verb "became" is followed by the Predicate Nominative "president."

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between Predicate Adjective and Predicate Nominative:

• Predicate Adjective: The movie was entertaining.
• Predicate Nominative: She is a teacher.

Usage

Both Predicate Adjective and Predicate Nominative are commonly used in sentences to provide more information about the subject. However, the choice between using a Predicate Adjective or a Predicate Nominative depends on the context of the sentence and the type of information that needs to be conveyed. Predicate Adjectives are used to describe the subject's qualities or characteristics, while Predicate Nominatives are used to rename or identify the subject.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Predicate Adjective and Predicate Nominative are both important elements of a sentence that serve to provide additional information about the subject. While Predicate Adjectives describe the subject's qualities, Predicate Nominatives rename or identify the subject. Understanding the differences between these two types of predicate complements can help improve your writing and communication skills.