When crafting sentences in English, we often focus on subjects and verbs, but another crucial component that adds depth to our expressions is the predicate nominative. This essential grammatical structure helps us define, identify, and elaborate on the subject with precision and clarity.
What Is a Predicate Nominatives in English?
A predicate nominative (also called a predicate noun) is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames, identifies, or further defines the subject. Unlike components that describe actions, predicate nominatives establish a relationship of equivalence with the subject.
Example:
- Sarah is a doctor.
“Sarah” is the subject, “is” is the linking verb, and “a doctor” is the predicate nominative, renaming and identifying what Sarah is.
Sentence Structure with Predicate Nominatives
To understand predicate nominatives, consider this structure:
- Subject – What the sentence is about
- Linking Verb – Connects the subject to information about it
- Predicate Nominative – A noun/pronoun that identifies or renames the subject
Together, they form a structure that enhances the identity or nature of the subject.
Common Linking Verbs
Predicate nominatives follow linking verbs, which express a state or condition rather than an action:
| Linking Verb Category | Examples | Function with Predicate Nominatives |
| Forms of “to be” | am, is, are, was, were, has been | Show direct identity |
| Sense Verbs | looks, smells, feels, sounds | Can indicate state (not always action) |
| State-of-Being Verbs | becomes, seems, appears | Reflect change or ongoing state |
| Status Verbs | stays, turns, proves | Highlight role or sustained identity |
Note: Always ensure the verb functions as a linking verb not an action verb when identifying predicate nominatives.
Examples of Predicate Nominatives
- Simple: Leonardo DiCaprio is an actor.
- Compound: My sister is a doctor and a researcher.
- With Modifiers: That building remains the tallest structure in our city.
- With Gerunds: Her favorite activity is swimming.
Predicate Nominatives vs. Direct Objects
| Feature | Predicate Nominative | Direct Object |
| Follows | Linking verb | Action verb |
| Function | Renames subject | Receives the action |
| Key Question | What is the subject? | What did the subject do? |
| Example | She became a lawyer. | She studied law. |
Predicate Nominatives vs. Predicate Adjectives
| Predicate Nominative | Predicate Adjective |
| Noun or pronoun | Adjective |
| Renames the subject | Describes a quality |
| Marcus is a teacher. | Marcus is dedicated. |
| The problem became a crisis. | The problem became serious. |
Complex Forms of Predicate Nominatives
Compound Nouns:
- The winners were John, Maria, and Peter.
Gerunds:
- Her hobby is painting.
Noun Phrases/Clauses:
- His dream is to travel the world.
- The truth is that we need help.
Pronoun Case with Predicate Nominatives
| Pronoun Form | Traditional Rule | Contemporary Usage | Formality |
| It is I. | Nominative case | It is me. | Formal vs Casual |
| The winner was she. | Nominative case | The winner was her. | Formal vs Casual |
Guidelines:
- Use the nominative case in formal writing.
- In casual speech, the objective form is acceptable.
- To avoid confusion, rephrase: I completed the project.
Sentence Patterns
| Pattern | Structure | Example |
| Identity | Subject + to be + identifier | Water is a compound. |
| Classification | Subject + is + category | Tigers are mammals. |
| Role Definition | Subject + becomes + role | She became the CEO. |
| Equivalence | This/That + is + this/that | This solution is the answer. |
| Definition | Term + is + explanation | Mitosis is the process of cell division. |
Using Predicate Nominatives in Writing
Clarity: A metaphor is a figure of speech.
Identification: This document is proof of our agreement.
Sentence Variety: John is a professor. He teaches linguistics. His research is on ancient languages.
Common Mistakes
| Error | Incorrect | Correct |
| Confusing with objects | I became | I became a doctor. |
| Using adjectives wrongly | The solution is solved. | The solution is a breakthrough. |
| Subject-verb disagreement | The issue are the costs. | The issue is the costs. |
| Vague language | The solution is something. | The solution is a full audit. |
Predicate Nominatives in Clauses
- Independent Clause: The museum is a landmark.
- Dependent Clause: If he becomes the manager…
- Noun Clause: Whoever becomes president will face challenges.
Questions and Commands
- Questions: Is she the new director?
- Commands: Be a leader. Become the best version of yourself.
Historical Note
| Era | Approach |
| Classical Languages | Strict case agreement |
| Medieval Grammar | Formal rules for linking verbs |
| Modern Usage | Flexibility and contextual judgment |
Conclusion
Understanding predicate nominatives strengthens both your writing and comprehension. These structures help clarify identity, role, and classification. Whether you’re writing formally or speaking casually, recognizing how predicate nominatives function allows for more effective communication.
Practice Activities
- Identify predicate nominatives in headlines.
- Rephrase adjectives as predicate nominatives.
- Write your own definitions using this structure.
- Practice using both formal and informal pronoun cases.
- Analyze writing from your favorite authors for examples.
FAQs: Predicate Nominative in English
What is a predicate nominative in simple terms?
A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence.
How is a predicate nominative different from a direct object?
A predicate nominative follows a linking verb and renames the subject, while a direct object follows an action verb and receives the action.
Can adjectives be predicate nominatives?
No. Predicate nominatives must be nouns or pronouns. Adjectives that describe the subject are called predicate adjectives.
