In this reference, we will be discussing what's a predicate adjective, giving you a list of examples and a few common mistakes to avoid when using them.

What is a predicate adjective?

Predicate adjective definition: "a type of adjective that is used to describe or modify the subject of the sentence." It is usually placed after the verb. For example, in the sentence “The dog is happy,” the adjective “happy” is describing the subject of the sentence, the dog. Therefore, “happy” is the predicate adjective in this sentence.

Predicate adjectives describe a noun or pronoun. For example, in the sentence “He is clever,” the adjective “clever” is describing the pronoun “he.” Therefore, “clever” is the predicate adjective in this sentence.

It is important to note that a predicate adjective is not the same as a predicative expression. A predicative expression is a phrase or clause that describes the subject of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “The dog is a chihuahua,” the phrase “a chihuahua” is a predicative expression and not a predicate adjective.

Predicate adjective list

Here is a list of some common predicate adjectives:

• Angry
• Brave
• Calm
• Clever
• Depressed
• Energetic
• Fearless
• Generous
• Happy
• Intelligent
• Jealous
• Kind
• Lonely
• Moody
• Nervous
• Obedient
• Polite
• Quiet
• Rich
• Smart
• Trustworthy
• Ugly
• Vengeful
• Witty
• Young
• Zealous

Predicate adjective examples in sentences

Here are 15 examples of how you can use a predicate adjective in a sentence:

• She is brave.
• He is intelligent.
• They are generous.
• We are happy.
• It is obedient.
• I am calm.
• The dog is loyal.
• The cat is playful.
• The children are energetic.
• The student was quiet.
• My friend is smart.
• His sister is kind.
• The teacher was patient.
• My neighbor is rich.
• Our team was fearless.

As you can see, predicate adjectives describe the subject of all of these sentences. They add detail and information to give us a better understanding of the situation.

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Common mistakes

One of the most common mistakes learners make when using predicate adjectives is confusing them with predicative expressions. As mentioned earlier, predicative expressions are phrases or clauses that describe the subject of the sentence. For example,  “She looks beautiful.” In this sentence, “beautiful” is a predicative expression and not a predicate adjective.

Another common mistake is not using the correct form of the word. For example,  “He is courageous” is correct, but “He is courage” is not. Or, “She is friendly” is correct, but “She is friendliness” is not.

Finally, learners often forget to use the linking verb when using predicate adjectives. For example, instead of saying “He angry,” you should say “He is angry.”

While it's not really a mistake, try to avoid using too many predicate adjectives in a sentence. You can confuse the reader if you use too many adjectives. Instead, focus on one or two adjectives that accurately describe the subject. For example, instead of saying “He is strong, brave, powerful, and determined,” you could just stick to “He is brave and determined.” to make the same point.

Summary

To summarize, a predicate adjective is a type of adjective that is used to describe or modify the subject of the sentence. It is usually placed after the verb in the sentence. Predicate adjectives can also be used to describe a noun or pronoun. It is important to note that a predicate adjective is not the same as a predicative expression.

We also discussed some common mistakes to avoid when using predicate adjectives such as forgetting linking words.

By now, you should know what a predicate adjective is and how to use it correctly. Find more handy references to help you learn English below!