Predicate nominatives

Definition

A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence. It serves to provide more information about the subject by equating it with another noun, helping to clarify its identity or role. This structure highlights the relationship between the subject and what it is being identified as, enhancing understanding in sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Predicate nominatives always follow linking verbs like 'is', 'are', 'was', and 'were'.
2. They can be either single nouns or pronouns and may also consist of noun phrases.
3. Predicate nominatives help clarify and provide additional information about the subject, making sentences more informative.
4. In sentences like 'She is a doctor', 'doctor' serves as a predicate nominative, renaming 'she'.
5. Not every noun after a linking verb is a predicate nominative; only those that rename or identify the subject qualify.

Review Questions

• How does a predicate nominative function within a sentence and what role does it play in relation to the subject?
  • A predicate nominative functions as a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb, serving to rename or identify the subject. For example, in the sentence 'The winner is Alice', 'Alice' is the predicate nominative that provides further identification of 'the winner'. This relationship helps clarify who or what the subject is, enhancing comprehension of the sentence.
• Compare and contrast predicate nominatives with other types of complements. What distinguishes them from other forms?
  • Predicate nominatives are distinct from other complements because they specifically rename or identify the subject following a linking verb. In contrast, direct objects receive the action of an action verb, while adjective complements modify the subject but do not rename it. For example, in 'The sky is blue', 'blue' is an adjective complement rather than a predicate nominative. The primary distinction lies in their function: predicate nominatives equate with the subject, whereas other complements serve different grammatical roles.
• Evaluate how understanding predicate nominatives can enhance clarity in writing. How can this knowledge be applied to improve sentence construction?
  • Understanding predicate nominatives can significantly enhance clarity in writing by ensuring that sentences accurately convey relationships between subjects and their identifiers. By using predicate nominatives effectively, writers can avoid ambiguity and provide precise descriptions, such as in 'My brother is an engineer' where 'engineer' clearly identifies 'my brother'. This knowledge allows writers to construct sentences that are more informative and easier for readers to understand, ultimately improving overall communication.

Related terms

linking verb:

A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to additional information about that subject, often in the form of a predicate nominative or adjective.

subject:

The subject is the part of a sentence that indicates who or what the sentence is about, typically performing the action or being described.

complement:

A complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a verb, including predicate nominatives and adjectives that describe the subject.