Predicate
1. Predicate Nominative
A Predicate Adjective or Noun is a word linked to the subject of a sentence by a copulative (linking) verb (the most important of which is the verb “to be.”).
- George is tall.
- He is my friend.
- He looks angry.
- Dinner smells good.
- But it tastes funny.
Predicate Nominative
Either adjective or noun in this position can be called a Predicate Nominative, since in Latin such words are in the same case as the subject, that is, the Nominative.
- Nomen est omen. (A name is an omen.)
- Horatius servator rei publicæ fuit. (Horace was the savior of the republic.)
- Bonus civis videtur. (He seems a good citizen.)
They are called “predicate,” because they appear within the predicate of the sentence, not as part of the subject; regarding which, see Part 2 below.
A Bit About Terms
Now, in English, an adjective that is directly connected to a noun, and not connected by means of a linking verb, is called an attributive adjective.
- a bad boy
- colorful butterflies
So, predicate adjectives and attributive adjectives. What are the French terms for the same?
English: | “Attributive adjective” | “Predicate adjective” |
French: | adjectif épithète | adjectif attribut!!! |
Aren’t you glad you asked?
2. The Predicate in the Sentence
The Predicate is one of the two fundamental components of a sentence or clause. The other fundamental component is the Subject.
The Subject is the thing being talked about. (Pretty much.) The Predicate is what you say about the subject (what it is or what it does).
The predicate is made up of a Verb (or Verb Phrase) and a Complement. The Complement is whatever completes the verb.