1. Identify the Subject and Verb:
* The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb.
* The verb is the action word or state of being.
2. Determine the Word Following the Verb:
* This word will be either a predicate nominative or a predicate adjective.
3. Analyze the Word's Function:
* Predicate Nominative: This word *renames* the subject. It's a noun or pronoun that tells us *what* the subject is.
* Predicate Adjective: This word *describes* the subject. It's an adjective that tells us *what kind* of subject it is.
Examples:
* "He is a doctor."
* Subject: He
* Verb: is
* Subject Complement: doctor
* Function: "Doctor" renames "He," so it's a predicate nominative.
* "She is happy."
* Subject: She
* Verb: is
* Subject Complement: happy
* Function: "Happy" describes "She," so it's a predicate adjective.
Key Points:
* Linking Verbs: Predicate nominatives and adjectives typically follow linking verbs. These verbs connect the subject to the complement and don't express action. Common linking verbs include *be* (is, am, are, was, were), *appear*, *become*, *feel*, *look*, *seem*, *smell*, *sound*, *taste*.
* Look for the "to be" Structure: Often, you can spot a predicate nominative or adjective by looking for the structure "subject + verb "to be" + complement."
Let me know if you'd like more examples or want to practice!