Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives and predicate nouns

Key Notes:

Linking Verbs

Definition: Linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence with a subject complement (predicate adjective or predicate noun) that describes or identifies the subject.

Common Linking Verbs:

• Forms of “to be” (is, am, are, was, were)
• Other verbs: seem, become, appear, feel, taste, smell, look, sound

Example: In the sentence “The soup tastes delicious,” “tastes” is the linking verb.

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Predicate Adjectives

Definition: A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and describes the subject.

Identification:

• Ask what the subject is like.
• Example: “The flowers are beautiful.” (Here, “beautiful” describes the flowers.)

Common Patterns:

Subject + linking verb + predicate adjective.

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Predicate Nouns

Definition: A predicate noun (or predicate nominative) follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject.

Identification:

• Ask what the subject is.
• Example: “Mr. Smith is a teacher.” (Here, “teacher” renames Mr. Smith.)

Common Patterns:

Subject + linking verb + predicate noun.

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Tips for Identification

• Find the Linking Verb: Look for verbs that show a state of being rather than action.
• Determine the Complement: Check if the word after the linking verb describes or renames the subject.
• Practice Sentences: Use various sentences to practice identifying linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns.

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Examples for Practice

1. Linking Verb: “The sky is clear.”
   • Linking Verb: is
   • Predicate Adjective: clear
2. Linking Verb: “She became a scientist.”
   • Linking Verb: became
   • Predicate Noun: scientist
3. Linking Verb: “They seem happy.”
   • Linking Verb: seem
   • Predicate Adjective: happy