Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives and predicate nouns

Key Notes:

1. Linking Verbs

• A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence to a word in the predicate that describes or identifies it.
• It does not show action.
• Common linking verbs:
  • Forms of “be”: is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been
  • Other linking verbs: become, seem, appear, feel, grow, look, remain, smell, sound, taste, turn

📘 Examples:

• She is a teacher. (is = linking verb)
• The soup smells good. (smells = linking verb)

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2. Predicate Nouns (Predicate Nominatives)

• A predicate noun renames or identifies the subject.
• It follows a linking verb.
• It is always a noun or pronoun.

📘 Examples:

• My brother is a doctor. (doctor = predicate noun)
• That girl was the winner. (winner = predicate noun)

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3. Predicate Adjectives

• A predicate adjective describes the subject.
• It also follows a linking verb.
• It is always an adjective.

📘 Examples:

• The cake tastes delicious. (delicious = predicate adjective)
• They are happy. (happy = predicate adjective)

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🧠 Tips to Identify Them

• Find the verb and check if it’s a linking verb.
• Ask:
  • “What is the subject being linked to?”
  • “Is it a noun (rename)? → Predicate noun”
  • “Is it an adjective (describe)? → Predicate adjective”