Predicate Nouns: The "Redefining" Words
A predicate noun is a noun that renames or identifies the subject of a sentence. It follows a linking verb (like *is*, *are*, *was*, *were*, *seems*, *becomes*, etc.) and provides more information about the subject.
Think of it like this:
* Subject: The person, place, or thing being talked about.
* Linking verb: Connects the subject to the predicate noun.
* Predicate noun: The word that gives us more information about the subject.
Here's a breakdown:
1. The subject: My father
2. The linking verb: is
3. The predicate noun: a doctor
Sentence: My father is a doctor.
In this sentence, "doctor" is the predicate noun because it renames the subject "My father." We learn that "My father" is a doctor.
More examples:
* She (subject) is (linking verb) a talented musician (predicate noun).
* The winner (subject) was (linking verb) the underdog (predicate noun).
* This book (subject) seems (linking verb) a page-turner (predicate noun).
Key things to remember:
* Predicate nouns are always nouns or noun phrases.
* They must follow a linking verb.
* They rename or identify the subject.
Understanding predicate nouns can help you write more complex and descriptive sentences.