Understanding the parts of a sentence is essential for writing and speaking clearly in English. One specific element that often confuses learners is the predicate nominative. Though it sounds like a technical grammatical term, it plays a straightforward and important role in sentence structure. A predicate nominative is used to rename or re-identify the subject of the sentence, and it always follows a linking verb. Once you understand the concept and see examples in action, it becomes a useful tool for clearer, more precise communication in both written and spoken English.
What Is a Predicate Nominative?
A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and refers back to the subject of the sentence. It essentially renames or identifies the subject in different terms. This grammatical structure is also called a predicate noun.
To break it down further
- SubjectThe person, place, thing, or idea the sentence is about.
- Linking verbA verb that connects the subject with a word that describes or identifies it (usually forms of to be” like is, are, was, were).
- Predicate nominativeThe noun or pronoun that follows the linking verb and renames the subject.
Example
My brother is a doctor.
In this sentence
- SubjectMy brother
- Linking verbis
- Predicate nominativea doctor (renames “my brother”)
How to Identify a Predicate Nominative
To identify a predicate nominative, follow these steps
- Find the subject of the sentence.
- Check for a linking verb.
- Look for a noun or pronoun after the verb that renames or re-identifies the subject.
If all three elements are present and the final noun or pronoun refers directly to the subject, then it’s a predicate nominative.
Common Linking Verbs
The most common linking verbs that precede a predicate nominative include
- am
- is
- are
- was
- were
- be
- being
- been
- seem
- become
These verbs do not show action but instead link the subject to more information.
Examples of Predicate Nominatives in Sentences
Simple Examples
- He is a teacher.– “teacher” renames “he”
- They were champions.– “champions” identifies “they”
- The winner was John.– “John” is the predicate nominative for “the winner”
With Pronouns
Predicate nominatives can also be pronouns, not just nouns.
- It was she.– “she” renames “it”
- The person responsible is him.– “him” identifies “the person responsible”
With Compound Predicate Nominatives
Sometimes, a sentence may have more than one predicate nominative.
- My favorite animals are lions and tigers.– Both “lions” and “tigers” rename “animals”
- The guests were Sarah, Tom, and me.– All three names serve as predicate nominatives
Why Predicate Nominatives Matter
Predicate nominatives help to define or explain the subject of the sentence. They are essential for constructing clear definitions or identifications. When you say She is my friend, the predicate nominative friend tells you exactly who or what she is.
Clarity in Writing
Using predicate nominatives correctly can make your writing more precise. Instead of repeating a subject with a new sentence, you can use a linking verb and a predicate nominative to describe or rename it in one concise sentence.
Useful in Definitions
This structure is often used in dictionary definitions or academic writing
- A microscope is an instrument used to view tiny objects.
- A mammal is an animal that gives birth to live young.
Predicate Nominative vs Predicate Adjective
It is important not to confuse a predicate nominative with a predicate adjective. Both follow linking verbs, but they serve different purposes.
- Predicate nominativeRenames or identifies the subject (noun or pronoun).
- Predicate adjectiveDescribes the subject (adjective).
Examples
- She is a nurse.– nurse is a noun → predicate nominative
- She is kind.– kind is an adjective → predicate adjective
Predicate Nominatives in Questions
Even in interrogative sentences, predicate nominatives can appear
- Who is the new manager?– manager is the predicate nominative
- Is he your father?– father renames he
To identify them in questions, try to rearrange the sentence into a statement and look for the linking verb and noun that renames the subject.
Tips to Use Predicate Nominatives Correctly
1. Use the correct case for pronouns
Predicate nominatives that are pronouns should be in the subjective case.
- CorrectIt is she.
- IncorrectIt is her.
While the correct form may sound overly formal in conversation, it is appropriate in writing and formal contexts.
2. Use only with linking verbs
Action verbs do not take predicate nominatives. For example
- IncorrectShe plays a teacher.(Not a predicate nominative)
- CorrectShe is a teacher.
3. Make sure the noun renames the subject
Do not confuse objects or other sentence parts with predicate nominatives. They must directly rename or identify the subject.
Practice Sentences
Try identifying the predicate nominative in the following examples
- Michael was the winner of the race.
- The problem is time.
- Our guide was a local fisherman.
- That man is a lawyer.
- The biggest issue is trust.
Answers
- the winner of the race
- time
- a local fisherman
- a lawyer
- trust
The predicate nominative is a fundamental part of English grammar that helps clarify and rename the subject in a sentence. By following a linking verb, it plays a unique role in defining or identifying the subject with another noun or pronoun. Recognizing and using predicate nominatives correctly not only improves grammar but also enhances clarity and precision in both writing and speaking. Whether you’re a student learning the basics of sentence structure or a writer polishing your grammar, mastering the predicate nominative is a worthwhile step in developing strong language skills.