What is the Predicate Nominative in English Grammar?

by | Jul 12, 2025 | English Grammar

The predicate nominative is one of the most important parts of sentence structure in English. It helps describe or rename the subject using a linking verb. If you have ever said something like “She is a teacher,” you have used a predicate nominative, perhaps without knowing it. 

In this article, you will learn what a predicate nominative is, how to identify it, and how it differs from other types of complements.

Table of Contents

What is Predicate Nominative?

A predicate nominative (also called a predicate noun) is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence. 

Example:

  • Maria is a teacher. 

In this example, the word “teacher” is a predicate nominative. It renames the subject “Maria.”

Related: What is a Predicate?

How Predicate Nominative Works in a Sentence

A predicate nominative always follows a linking verb, such as is, are, was, or becomes. It gives more information about the subject by defining, classifying, or identifying it.

Structure:

Subject + Linking Verb + Predicate Nominative

Example:

  • He is a doctor.

Here, “doctor” gives us more information about “He”.

Predicate Nominative Vs. Predicate Adjective

[dvmd_table_maker tbl_row_header_count=”0″ tbl_responsive_mode=”off” tbl_tcell_cell_align_horz=”center” tbl_tcell_cell_align_vert=”center” tbl_chead_cell_color=”#8300E9″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” tbl_chead_text_font=”|600|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Feature
Type
Function
Example” col_column_max_width=”0.5fr” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Predicate Nominative
Noun or Pronoun
Renames the subject
She is a nurse.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][dvmd_table_maker_item col_content=”Predicate Adjective
Adjective
Describe the subject
She is kind.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/dvmd_table_maker_item][/dvmd_table_maker]

Related: Parts of Speech

Linking Verbs Used with Predicate Nominative

Common linking verbs that can connect the subject with a predicate nominative include:

  • is, are, was, were
  • be, been, being
  • become, seem, appear

Examples:

  • She is a student.
  • They became friends.
  • He was a soldier.

Related: Subject-Verb Agreement

Examples of Predicate Nominatives in Sentences

Here are some examples of predicate nominatives in sentences:

  • My mother is a teacher. 
  • The winner was John.
  • It will be a surprise.
  • The players are champions.
  • That girl became a doctor.

Conclusion

A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that renames the subject of a sentence and always follows a linking verb. Therefore, predicate nominative is an important concept to learn for beginners because it helps them to build clearer and more English sentences. 

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our newsletter for more articles on grammar, vocabulary, and language learning.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates.

You May Also Like

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter form to get the latest updates and blog articles on English grammar, vocabulary, and English learning tips right in your inbox.