1. Predicate Nominatives and Adjectives
* Predicate Nominative: A noun or pronoun that renames the subject of a sentence and follows a linking verb (e.g., "be," "become," "seem," "appear").
* Predicate Adjective: An adjective that describes the subject of a sentence and follows a linking verb.
2. Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition (e.g., "in," "on," "to," "with") followed by its object (usually a noun or pronoun).
3. The Issue
The question is whether predicate nominatives and adjectives can be the *objects* of a prepositional phrase. Here's the answer:
It's generally not grammatically correct for predicate nominatives and adjectives to be the direct object of a prepositional phrase.
Why?
* Structural Function: Predicate nominatives and adjectives are closely tied to the subject and the linking verb. They describe or identify the subject directly. Placing them within a prepositional phrase disrupts this direct relationship.
* Clarity and Emphasis: Using a prepositional phrase with a predicate nominative or adjective can often make the sentence less clear and less emphatic.
Example:
* Incorrect: "The book is *about* a detective *who is* a talented musician." (Here, "a talented musician" is the predicate nominative but is awkwardly placed within a prepositional phrase.)
* Correct: "The book is about a detective who is a talented musician." (Here, "a talented musician" directly renames the subject "detective.")
Exceptions:
There are some rare cases where a predicate nominative or adjective might be used within a prepositional phrase, but these cases are usually dependent on the context and specific meaning:
* Figurative Language: In figurative language, it's possible to find instances where the structure might be broken for creative effect.
* Specialized Jargon: Certain fields or technical writing might employ unconventional structures.
In Summary
While there might be rare exceptions, generally avoid placing predicate nominatives or adjectives as the direct objects of prepositional phrases. It's better to keep these elements directly tied to the subject and linking verb for clarity and grammatical correctness.