What is a Predicate Noun?
A predicate noun is an important part of English grammar. Generally, predicate nouns are found after verbs in a sentence and they refer to the subject of the verb.
For example, in the sentence “The teacher is Mary,” Mary is the predicate noun as it follows the sentence’s verb “is”. It tells readers who or what is performing the action denoted by the verb.
Though predicate nouns can be any part of speech, they often take on their own form which combines both a verb and a noun into one word, like “understandings” – understanding being a combination of understand + ing. By understanding predicate nouns and how to use them, effective communication with others becomes easier.
Predicate Noun Rules
Learning these four critical rules when using a Predicate Noun phrase will help communication become clearer and easier. With these four rules firmly entrenched in one’s grammar skillset, any English speaker can properly construct sentences with ease!
| Rules | Explanation |
| Application | Cases of nouns should be applied in order to build meaningful sentences – cases like possessive, nominative, objective and genitive can all determine how a sentence is formed. |
| Capitalization | Proper nouns need to be capitalized when written; failure to do so could create confusion or suggest incorrect punctuation. |
| Distinctions | All English nouns have gender distinctions; for instance, all animate beings and things such as vehicles are classified as either masculine or feminine. |
| Pluralization | Most singular nouns must be made plural in order to enable them to join sentences with other words. |
Examples of the Predicate Noun
A predicate noun phrase is a type of noun that comes after a linking verb and which renames or further defines the subject of the sentence. If a predicate noun is present in a sentence, then it usually follows one of these verbs:
- Be
- Seem
- Appear
- Become
- Feel
- Look
- Grow
- Sound
- Smell
- Taste
This can make it easier to identify predicate nouns among other types of nouns in a sentence. For example: “John became a teacher.” In this sentence, “teacher” is the predicate noun because it follows the linking verb “became”.
Predicate nouns are an important part of written and spoken language and can enhance our understanding by providing more complete thoughts.
Predicate Noun Exercises with Answers
Exercises:
- _ was an engineer.
- _ chose her replacement.
- _ became my saviour.
- _ is a choreographer.
- _ were their tenants.
Answers:
- James was an engineer.
- I chose her replacement.
- He became my saviour.
- She is a choreographer.
- We were their tenants.
Predicate Noun List
Predicate nouns are the nouns that are the predicate part of a sentence, usually following the verb “to be.” There are seven major examples of predicate nouns:
| Subject Compliment | The subject complement is a predicate nominative that interacts with the linking verb and gives more information on what is being described. |
| Predicate Compliment | A predicate nominative is linked to the same subject as an equal noun or pronoun and follows a linking verb to state an equal relationship between two items. |
| Direct Object | A direct object receives action from an action verb and usually follows the word “it” or “him/her”. |
| Indirect Object | An indirect object is like a direct object but it comes before any verbs and is not directly affected by them. |
| Object Compliment | Object complements draw additional attention to either subjects or objects within a sentence, often reacting with action verbs to give more detail on what happened in the sentence. |
| Appositive | Appositives indicate placement within a sentence and rename that which was just stated previously, such as in “My sister Mary loves baking.” |
| Predicate | Predicate adjectives follow linking verbs to describe or qualify nouns or pronouns found elsewhere within the sentence along with providing extra information about its subject. |
Advice for ESL Students & English Language Learners
ESL students and English language learners should remember that learning a language is an ongoing process. To increase fluency, it is important to practice predicate nouns—words used to specify what is being said about a subject. For example, rather than just saying the word “box”, predicate nouns can expand information such as: “The brown cardboard box contains magazines.” Although intimidating at first, predicate nouns provide more detail to help easier communication in English.
To become more familiar with predicate forms, try reading stories out loud or spending time practising them in conversations with native English speakers. As learners progress through their language journey, predicate nouns become fundamental tools for creating vivid descriptions and conversations.
Additionally, it is important for learners to properly understand appositive and subject of the sentence.
Common Mistakes Made by English Learners
English can be a challenging language for learners who are not native speakers. The complex grammar rules and differences in word usage between American and British English can often cause confusion.
The predicate noun is a particularly common mistake made by learners; it is when the predicate of a sentence acts as if it were the object or subject of that predicate. For example, instead of saying “I am going to school,” some learners might mistakenly write “Going to school I am.” To avoid this mistake, learners should remember that the predicate in any sentence comes after the subject and includes an action verb typically followed by an object. With practice, mastering the predicate noun structure will become second nature!
Common Mistakes:
1. Incorrect Tense
Why it Happens
Not having a firm grasp on correct noun usage can confuse your statements. This can cause you to use the wrong nouns and misconstrue your message.
Correct Use
When speaking English, you would use a noun that reflects the subject in question. Keep context in mind when selecting your nouns.
2. Lack of Nouns
Why it Happens
The easiest mistake is leaving out nouns when needed. Failing to use these in phrases can lead others to misinterpret what you are trying to express.
Correct Use
Nouns join words to a person, place, or thing – for example, ‘the cat meowed’ or ‘I love pasta’.
3. Inconsistency
Why it Happens
People forget how they described something before and change the context in a contradictory manner. This confuses the reader.
Correct Use
Be sure that your nouns remain consistent throughout your writing. There should be no sudden shifts from ‘woman’ to ‘girl’ unless there was a clear shift in the thing being described.
4. Incorrect Usage
Why it Happens
You don’t know which nouns to use, so you use too many and it confuses the statement.
Correct Use
Using too many nouns can make your writing sound monotonous and can also lead to viewers losing interest. Therefore it is important to focus on expressing yourself clearly and effectively with them.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:
Mistakes in writing can be natural, but taking steps to ensure accuracy and precision will strengthen your overall work. Employing predicate nouns as the subject of a sentence can help clarify your message and reduce the potential for miscommunication.
A predicate noun is a noun that follows a linking verb and modifies the subject. Utilizing predicate nouns allows you to use active language without using any personal pronouns. This adds meaning and differentiation to your words, helping you avoid common writing mistakes.
Learning Predicate Noun Strategies and Best Practices
Learning predicate nouns can be an invaluable tool for both learners of English and experienced writers alike. Knowing when to use predicate nouns correctly can greatly improve writing by adding more precise meaning to sentences.
The predicate noun comes after a linking verb, and adds additional information to the sentence, such as “The favourite game of many is basketball” where “basketball” is the predicate noun. With practice and repetition, mastering predicate nouns gets easier quickly and the payoff will be seen in your writing. Additionally, keep reading for more useful tips:
Tip 1: Study a List
Why it helps
Learning the various forms and using them properly in speaking and writing is easier than it seems with daily practice. A list can simplify this process and make it seem less daunting.
Daily Life Example
The best way to learn to use nouns correctly is to study a list of nouns and their usages, and then practice writing sentences with them.
Tip 2: Practice Reading
Why it helps
Exposing yourself to nouns hidden between other words can help you identify them faster and with more accuracy.
Daily Life Example
To ensure that you understand how frequently a type of noun should be used it’s important to practice reading with them as well, so the meanings become clear. So keep a book of your choice on hand and highlight every noun you come across.
Tip 3: Everyday Conversations
Why it helps
By applying the nouns exercise to everyday conversations, you’ll find these words easy to remember and use in the near future.
Daily Life Example
Take your time when speaking to people. Take note of the nouns they use, and try and repeat them back in different contexts. You can also do this from the comfort of your home by recording yourself or using an AI assistant.
Predicate Noun Frequently Asked Questions
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