Predicate Adjective
A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies (i.e., describes) the subject of the linking verb.
A predicate adjective contrasts with an attributive adjective, which typically sits immediately before the noun it modifies. For example:
| Predicate Adjective | ||
| subject | linking verb | predicate adjective |
| The shoes | look | expensive. |
modifies |
||
| Attributive Adjective | ||
| The expensive shoes |
Examples of Predicate Adjectives
Below are some examples of predicate adjectives. In these examples, the predicate adjective is italicised and the subject being modified is in bold.
- Lee seems drunk.
- (The linking verb is seems.)
- Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else.
- (The linking verb is is.)
- If you look good, you don’t need a purpose in life.
- (The linking verb is look.)
- What can you say about a society which says that God is dead, and Elvis is alive?
- (In both cases, the linking verb is is.)
Home I Adjectives I Grammar Lessons
AGH / Feb 2020