Predicate Nouns and Adjectives

So far…

• So far we have talked about Objects that come after action verbs.

• We are now learning what comes after linking verbs.

The Subject Complement

• This is not something nice you say to a subject.

• The subject complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that comes after a linking verb and identify or describe the subject.

• There are two kinds: Predicate Nouns and Predicate Adjectives.

Remember Linking Verbspages 43-45 in grammar book

• The most common linking verb is “to be”

• I am was

• You are were

• He is was

• We are were

• They are were

• Also: be, being, been

• The following are sometimes linking verbs

• Appear Feel• Look Seem• SoundTaste• Become Grow• Remain Smell• Stay Turn

Predicate Nouns

• Earlier we learned that a Direct Object receives the action of the action verb.

• Now we are learning that a Predicate Noun is linked to the Subject by a linking verb.

• Remember that linking verbs act like equals signs. The Subject = Predicate Noun

Mr. Lagasse is my PE teacher.

=

Examples

• Jim is my youth pastor.

• He is a really nice guy.

• At first he seemed to be a nerd.

• He has been a student in seminary for years.

• However, he soon became our friend.

• Jim will always be an important person in my life.

Things to know

• A Predicate Noun is always a Noun (obviously).• A Predicate Noun will never come inside a

prepositional phrase.• Unless it is a question, the Predicate Noun will

always come after the linking verb: Subject-Linking Verb-Predicate Noun

• Predicate Nouns always use Subject pronouns (not object pronouns) I, he, she, we, they, who

PracticeLabel the PN

• My church is Hollywood Presbyterian.• The youth group is a collection of all types

of kids.• Some kids are skaters.• Some kids seem to be skaters but are

preppies.• Other kids have always been rap fans.• Two kids are country music types.• They are nice.

PracticeLabel the PN

• My church is Hollywood Presbyterian.• The youth group is a collection of all types

of kids.• Some kids are skaters.• Some kids seem to be skaters but are

preppies.• Other kids have always been rap fans.• Two kids are country music types.• They are nice. (None)

How come “nice” way not a PN?

• “Nice” is an adjective.

• A Predicate Noun must be a Noun.

• “Nice” is a Predicate Adjective.

Predicate Adjective• A Predicate Adjective is similar to a Predicate

Noun in that it always comes after a Linking Verb.

• The Predicate Adjective is always an Adjective.

• The PA describes/modifies the Subject.

• Since a Linking Verb acts like an equals sign,Subject = Predicate Adjective

• You will not have a PN and a PA next to each other!

Examples

• Sarah is cool.

• Before this year, she seemed really shy.

• Her voice sounds really soft and quiet.

• However, her guitar playing has become loud.

• She is awfully talented with her guitar.

• Some day she will be a famous musician.

How to Label

• When labeling Subject Complements:– Label all Prepositional Phrases first– Label the Subject– Find the Verb. Is it an Action Verb (AV) or a

Linking Verb (LV) – If it is a Linking Verb, what word is the Subject

being linked to?– Is that word a Noun (PN) or an Adjective (PA)?

Practice

• My favorite basketball team is the Lakers.

• They were awesome last year.

• This year they seem distracted.

• During the championship they will be victorious.

• Hopefully, they are the best team again.

• They should win their division at least.

Practice: PN or PA

• My favorite basketball team is the Lakers.

• They were awesome last year.

• This year they seem distracted.

• During the championship they will be victorious.

• Hopefully, they are the best team again.

• They should win their division at least. (None)

More Practice

• The Clippers are my other favorite team.

• They are not very good.

• However, their games are so exciting.

• Their players have grown very skillful.

• Their best players are rookies and sophomores.

• They dunk the ball really well.

• Who is your favorite?

More Practice: PN or PA

• The Clippers are my other favorite team.

• The are not very good.

• However, their games are so exciting.

• Their players have grown very skillful.

• Their best players are rookies and sophomores.

• They dunk the ball really well. (None)

• Who is your favorite?

• Yoda is very talented with the force.• He is the oldest Jedi.• He may be short, but he is tough!• Yoda used to be a puppet in the old movies.• Now, they make him on a computer.• In this movie, Yoda has a lightsaber.• His lightsaber is short and green.• Why does he need a cane?

Practice Labeling PA’s, PN’s, and DO’s

Practice Labeling PA’s, PN’s and DO’s

• Spongebob is big and yellow.

• His friend is Patrick.

• Patrick looks kinda funny today.

Practice Labeling PA’s, PN’s and DO’s

• Spongebob is big and yellow.

• His friend is Patrick.

• Patrick looks kinda funny today.

Practice Labeling PA’s, PN’s, and DO’s

• Yoda is very talented with the force.• He is the oldest Jedi.• He may be short, but he is tough!• Yoda used to be a puppet in the old movies.• Now, they make him on a computer.• In this movie, Yoda has a lightsaber.• His lightsaber is short and green.• Why does he need a cane?