A predicate adjective is an adjective that comes after a linking verb and describes the subject of a sentence. It tells us more about the subject’s state or quality. For example, in The flowers are beautiful, the word beautiful describes the flowers. Predicate adjectives work with linking verbs like is, looks, feels, sounds, and seems to complete the meaning of a sentence.
What is a Predicate Adjective?
A predicate adjective is an adjective that comes after a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. Predicate adjectives always follow a linking verb such as is, are, was, were, seems, feels, tastes, etc.
Example Sentences:
- The flowers are vibrant.
- Her laughter sounds joyful.
- The sky appears clear.
Types of Predicate Adjectives
1. Descriptive Predicate Adjectives
Descriptive predicate adjectives describe qualities, characteristics, or states of the subject. They answer questions like What does the subject look like? How does it feel, taste, or smell?
- The beach is sunny.
- His painting is colorful.
- The soup is spicy.
2. Evaluative Predicate Adjectives
Evaluative predicate adjectives express judgment or opinion about the subject.
- The movie was captivating.
- The presentation seemed boring.
- His performance was impressive.
3. Quantitative Predicate Adjectives
Quantitative predicate adjectives indicate the degree or extent of a quality.
- The journey was lengthy.
- She made a significant contribution.
- The price seems reasonable.
4. Emphatic Predicate Adjectives
Emphatic predicate adjectives intensify the description of the subject’s quality.
- The performance was exceptionally good.
- The news is incredibly interesting.
- The sunset looks breathtakingly beautiful.
Predicate Adjectives vs Attributive Adjectives
| Feature | Predicate Adjective | Attributive Adjective |
|---|---|---|
| Position in Sentence | Comes after a linking verb | Comes before the noun it describes |
| Function | Describes the subject by linking to it | Modifies the noun directly |
| Example Sentence | The sky is blue. | The blue sky is clear. |
| Usage | Requires a linking verb (is, seems, looks, appears, etc.) | Appears immediately before a noun |
| Common Linking Verbs | is, are, was, were, seems, appears, looks, feels, smells, sounds | No linking verb required |
| More Examples | The cake tastes delicious. The dog looks happy. | The delicious cake is on the table. The happy dog ran outside. |
Predicate Adjectives Examples
- The sunflower in the garden appears exceptionally tall.
- His explanation was clear and straightforward.
- The cookies taste wonderfully sweet.
- The cat seems unusually curious about the new toy.
- The movie was incredibly entertaining.
- The river water looks crystal clear.
- Her smile appears genuinely happy.
- The task seems surprisingly difficult.
- The mountain view is breathtaking.
- The children are amazingly creative in their artwork.
Common Mistakes with Predicate Adjectives
1. Confusing Predicate Adjectives with Predicate Nouns
- Incorrect: The sky is a blue.
- Correct: The sky is blue.
2. Using an Adverb Instead of an Adjective
- Incorrect: She feels happily.
- Correct: She feels happy.
3. Misplacing the Predicate Adjective
- Incorrect: The cake tasty is.
- Correct: The cake is tasty.
4. Using Predicate Adjectives Without a Linking Verb
- Incorrect: The dog friendly.
- Correct: The dog is friendly.
5. Not Matching the Subject with the Correct Adjective
- Incorrect: The weather is tasteless.
- Correct: The weather is pleasant.
FAQs About Predicate Adjectives
1. What is the difference between a predicate adjective and an attributive adjective?
A predicate adjective comes after a linking verb and describes the subject, while an attributive adjective appears before the noun it modifies. Example: The cake is delicious (predicate) vs. The delicious cake is on the table (attributive).
2. Can a sentence have more than one predicate adjective?
Yes, a sentence can have multiple predicate adjectives. Example: The weather is warm and sunny. Here, warm and sunny both describe the weather.
3. Do all linking verbs take predicate adjectives?
No, only state-of-being linking verbs like is, are, was, were, seems, feels, etc., take predicate adjectives. Some verbs like run, jump, eat do not.
4. How do I know if an adjective is a predicate adjective?
If an adjective comes after a linking verb and describes the subject, it is a predicate adjective. Example: The sky looks clear. Here, clear describes the sky.
5. What is the function of a predicate adjective in a sentence?
A predicate adjective helps to describe or define the subject by expressing qualities, emotions, judgments, or conditions. It provides more information to help the reader understand the subject better.
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