Predicate Adjectives: A Complete Guide with Examples

by | May 13, 2024 | Parts of Speech

Adjectives modify nouns in the sentence. They are of different types. Predicated adjectives are a type of adjectives that add more details in the sentence by modifying a noun in the sentence. 

Predicate adjectives might sound complex, but they are essential tools in the English language that can elevate your writing and speaking skills. Understanding predicate adjectives isn’t just about improving your grammar; it’s about mastering clarity and expression.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the power of predicate adjectives, how they work, and how you can use them effectively in your sentences. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or someone looking to sharpen their communication skills, this guide will provide you with clear examples and practical insights to make predicate adjectives work for you.

In this article, you will learn what a predicate adjective is, how to use it correctly, and where to place it in the sentence. Also, you will find useful examples of sentences using predicate adjectives correctly.

Table of Contents

What is a predicate adjective?

A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb in the sentence and describes the subject of the sentence.

Unlike attributive adjectives that directly modify nouns, predicate adjectives appear in the predicate of the sentence and are connected via a linking verb. For example:

  • The flower is beautiful.

Here, the predicate adjective is beautiful, which is modifying the subject of the sentence (flower).

A predicate adjective, sometimes called a predicative adjective, is an adjective that is used in the predicate of a sentence.

Examples:

  • The soup tastes delicious.
  • He became angry.
  • The sky turned dark.

Function of Predicate Adjective

Predicate adjectives provide additional information about the subject. They help us to describe the qualities or states of being of the subject. In this way, they add more depth and clarity to our sentences. For example:

  • The sky is blue.
  • She seems happy. 

In these two sentences, the words blue and happy are predicated adjectives. Both words give us more information about the subjects (sky and she).

Sentences and clauses are made of two major parts: the subject and the predicate. The subject tells us who or what is doing or experiencing something and is usually a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun.

  • He is very sick.
  • She is very intelligent.
  • They are hard workers.

The predicate tells us what the subject is doing or experiencing and usually consists of a verb or a verb phrase and possibly a direct object, subject complement, and/or other modifiers. 

  • He likes dogs.
  • They love reading.
  • She is very sick. 
  • They are honest people.

Predicate Adjectives vs. Attributive Adjectives

While both predicate and attributive adjectives describe nouns, they differ in placement and function. Attributive adjectives are placed directly before the noun they modify. For example:

  • a red apple

Whereas predicate adjectives follow a linking verb and refer back to the subject. For example:

  • The apple is red.

How Predicate Adjectives Work?

For a predicative adjective to function, it needs a linking verb to connect it to the subject. 

Linking verbs are essential as they don’t show action but rather connect the subject to the adjective or noun that describes it.

Common Linking Verbs

Some of the most common linking verbs include:

  • To be (is, am, are, was, were)
  • Seem
  • Become
  • Appear
  • Look 
  • Feel
  • Sound

These verbs act as a bridge between the subject and the predicative adjective. For example:

  • The cake tastes delicious.
  • He appears tired.

Examples of Predicate Adjectives in Sentences

Her are a few sentences that demonstrate the use of predicate adjectives:

  • The night was cold.
  • Her ideas seem innovative.
  • The water is clear.

How to Use Predicate Adjectives

Now the question is, where do you place a predicate adjective in the sentence?  We use predicate adjective right after the verb. see the following examples.

1. Typically, a predicate adjective follows a linking verb. 

Examples:

  • She looks sick.
  • He works hard. 
  • They play smart.

2. Predicate adjectives usually come immediately after the verb unless they are modified by adverbs.

If an adverb modifies the predicate adjective, then the predicate adjective comes after the adverb.

Subject + verb + adverb + predicate adjective.

Examples:

  • My uncle is very rich.
  • He is the best seller. 
  • She is the best teacher.
  • They are hard workers.
  • They are very wealthy people.

3. It is possible for a sentence/clause to have multiple predicate adjectives used together with conjunctions and possibly commas:

Examples:

  • Her favorite colors are pink, purple, and blue.
  • He is smart, wise, and keen.
  • They love Spanish and Chinese food.

4. Predicate adjectives are typically located at or near the end of a sentence or clause. They may be followed by propositional phrases or conjunctions introducing a dependent clause.

Examples:

  • He is tired because he clean the whole yard.
  • He is late for work.
  • She is ready for work.
  • They are busy with their families.

How to Identify Predicate Adjectives

Spotting predicate adjectives can be easy once you know what to look for. Here are some tips:

  • Identify the subject of the sentence first. 
  • Check if there is a linking verb connecting the subject to another word.
  • If there is an an adjective after the linking verb, it is likely a predicate adjective.

For example:

  • The flowers smell sweet. 

In this sentence, flowers is the subject, smell is the linking verb and sweet is the predicate adjective.

Why Predicate Adjectives Matter

Predicate adjectives are vital for creating clear and concise sentences. They allow you to describe the subject in terms of a state of being or quality without adding unnecessary words. See the following examples:

  • The day is bright.
  • The student seems eager.

These two sentences are direct and easy to understand, and that is how predicate adjectives function in the sentences.

In creative writing, predicate adjectives help to add emotion and depth to your descriptions. For example:

  • The night was eerie.
  • Her voice sounded melodic.

These adjectives enhance the mood and tone and help us to engage our readers and evoke imagery in our writing.

Examples of Predicate Adjectives in Sentences

  • The coffee is hot.
  • She feels confident.
  • The beach was quiet.

These examples show how epredicate adjectives describe the subject with minimal complexity.

  • The solution remained unclear despite the explanation. 
  • The sky turned a brilliant shade of orange.
  • The task became more difficult as time went on.
  • This movie is the most exciting I’ve ever seen.

Conclusion

Predicate adjectives are adjectives that describe the subject of the sentence. The purpose of using predicate adjectives is to add clarity, depth, and precision to your writing and speech.

Predicate Adjectives FAQs

Can predicate adjectives only follow linking verbs?

Yes. Predicate adjectives typically follow linking verbs as they describe the subject of the sentence.

Are predicate adjectives always a single word?

Not necessarily. Predicate adjectives can be compound adjectives. For example:

  • The landscape is breathtakingly beautiful.

I hope this article helped you learn what predicate adjectives are, how they function in sentences, and example sentences using predicate adjectives. 

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