In plain words, it is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and tells who or what the subject is.
Writers sometimes call it a predicate noun, subject complement, or predicate pronoun when the complement is a pronoun. Understanding predicate nominatives helps you choose correct pronoun forms (I vs me), avoid sentence fragments, and make your writing clearer.
This article explains the idea simply, shows many examples, analyzes parts of speech, and lists common mistakes to avoid. Read on for practical tips, short exercises, and a clear rewrite that improves grammar, style, and readability.
Parts-of-speech analysis
Below I analyze each short sentence in the introduction for parts of speech and check verbs for correct tense and subject–verb agreement. I also comment on articles, prepositions, and modifiers where relevant.
A predicate nominative is a grammar term that names or renames the subject after a linking verb
- Nouns: predicate nominative (compound noun phrase), term, subject, verb
- Verbs: is (present simple linking verb — singular subject A predicate nominative → is), names, renames(present simple form used in relative clause; subject that refers to term → singular might take names/renames, but the relative clause is general describing function; both verbs are base forms used in defining clauses)
- Adjectives: grammar (modifies term), linking (modifies verb)
- Prepositions: after (shows position)
- Articles: a (indefinite article used correctly)
- Modifiers: or connects two verbs names/renames precisely — good.
- Grammar check: Present tense used correctly for definition. Subject–verb agreement is maintained.
In plain words, it is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and tells who or what the subject is
- Prepositional phrase: In plain words (preposition in + noun phrase plain words; functions as adverbial modifier)
- Pronoun: it (dummy pronoun referring back to predicate nominative concept)
- Verb: is (present simple; subject it → is)
- Nouns: noun, pronoun, verb, subject
- Verbs in relative clause: follows (present simple; singular that ≈ noun phrase), tells (present simple)
- Conjunctions: and joins two verb phrases clearly.
- Grammar check: Clause structure is clear and verbs agree with their subjects.
Writers sometimes call it a predicate noun, subject complement, or predicate pronoun when the complement is a pronoun
- Nouns: Writers, predicate noun, subject complement, predicate pronoun, complement, pronoun
- Adverb: sometimes (modifies call)
- Verb: call (present simple; plural Writers → call)
- Conjunctions: or lists alternatives correctly.
- Preposition: when introduces condition clause.
- Grammar check: Agreement and tense correct; lists parallel and precise.
Understanding predicate nominatives helps you choose correct pronoun forms (I vs me), avoid sentence fragments, and make your writing clearer
- Noun (gerund phrase): Understanding predicate nominatives — functions as subject.
- Verb: helps (present simple; gerund subject treated as singular → helps)
- Verbs in list: choose, avoid, make (base verbs following helps you — parallel and correct)
- Nouns: pronoun forms, sentence fragments, writing
- Modifiers: parenthetical (I vs me) clarifies common issue.
- Grammar check: Tense and agreement correct.
This article explains the idea simply, shows many examples, analyzes parts of speech, and lists common mistakes to avoid
- Pronoun: This article (subject)
- Verbs (parallel): explains, shows, analyzes, lists (present simple; singular subject uses singular verbs — correct)
- Objects and modifiers: the idea simply (adverb), many examples, parts of speech, common mistakes to avoid (infinitive phrase gives purpose)
- Grammar check: Verb forms parallel and agree with subject.
Read on for practical tips, short exercises, and a clear rewrite that improves grammar, style, and readability
- Verb (imperative): Read (imperative addresses reader)
- Preposition: for introduces list of items readers gain.
- Nouns: practical tips, short exercises, rewrite, grammar, style, readability
- Verb in relative clause: improves (present simple; singular rewrite → improves)
- Grammar check: Imperative sentence is complete and appropriate; subject implied you.
What is a predicate nominative?
Short definition (simple): A predicate nominative (also called a predicate noun or subject complement) is a noun or pronoun that comes after a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject.
Key parts of speech involved
- Subject (noun/pronoun) — who or what the sentence is about.
- Linking verb (verb) — connects subject to information about it.
- Predicate nominative (noun/pronoun) — renames or identifies subject.
- Articles (a, an, the) and prepositions may appear as modifiers.
Very basic examples (each analyzed)
- Julie is a doctor.
- Julie (noun subject)
- is (linking verb, present simple) — correct tense for a general fact
- a (article) doctor (predicate nominative noun) — renames Julie
- The winners are they.
- The winners (noun phrase subject, plural)
- are (linking verb, present — plural agreement)
- they (pronoun, predicate nominative) — renames the winners
Grammar check: In both examples, verbs agree with their subjects and the complements are nouns/pronouns that rename the subjects.
Linking verbs: the signal for predicate nominatives
A linking verb does not show action. It links the subject to a word that describes or renames it.
Common linking verbs (list, with parts-of-speech notes):
- forms of be — am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being (verb)
- become (verb) — can signal change: He became president.
- seem (verb) — state: They seem friends.
- appear (verb) — perception: She appears confident.
- remain (verb) — continuity: It remained a mystery.
- feel / look / taste / smell / sound — sometimes linking verbs if they describe a state (The soup tastes good.) rather than action (She tasted the soup.).
How to test a linking verb: Replace the verb with a form of be (is/are). If the sentence still makes sense, it is likely a linking verb and a predicate nominative or predicate adjective may follow.
- He became a teacher. → He is a teacher. (works ⇒ linking verb)
Predicate nominative vs direct object
These two look similar because both can appear after verbs, but they are different.
Predicate nominative
- Follows a linking verb (not an action verb)
- Renames or identifies the subject
- Example: Ms. Price is the manager. (manager renames Ms. Price)
Direct object
- Follows an action verb
- Receives the action of the verb
- Example: Ms. Price manages the team. (team receives the action of manages — direct object)
Quick test: Replace the verb with is/are. If changing to is/are makes the sentence logical, the word after the original verb is likely a predicate nominative.
- He painted the fence. → He is the fence. (nonsense ⇒ fence is an object, not a predicate nominative)
Predicate nominative vs predicate adjective
Both follow linking verbs, but serve different roles.
- Predicate nominative = noun/pronoun that renames the subject.
- Example: My father is a teacher. (teacher renames father)
- Predicate adjective = adjective that describes the subject.
- Example: My father is kind. (kind describes father)
Parts-of-speech check: In the first sentence, the complement is a noun; in the second, it is an adjective. Linking verb is common to both.
Pronoun case after linking verbs
When a pronoun follows a linking verb and renames the subject, grammar traditionally calls for the subjective case (I, he, she, we, they), not the objective case (me, him, her, us, them).
Traditional / prescriptive grammar (examples)
- Correct: It is I. (subjective pronoun after linking verb)
- Common speech: It is me. (objective pronoun — widely used in conversation)
Parts-of-speech and agreement notes
- It (pronoun subject) + is (linking verb) + I (pronoun complement in subjective case). Verb is agrees with subject it.
Practical tip: In formal writing, prefer subjective case: It is I who will decide. In casual speech, It is me is normal and accepted.
Predicate nominatives in questions and clauses
Predicate nominatives appear in questions and complex clauses as well.
Examples
- Who is the next speaker? — Who functions as predicate nominative in meaning (it renames subject in the inverted question)
- The problem is who will lead the team. — subordinate clause follows linking verb and renames subject.
Grammar check: Verb forms and agreement remain the same. Use correct case inside clauses: It is he who decides(formal).
Agreement and number with predicate nominatives
Predicate nominatives do not change the verb form — the verb still agrees with the subject, not with the complement.
Example
- My favorite fruit is apples. — subject My favorite fruit (singular) → verb is (singular), complement apples(plural). The plural complement does not force a plural verb.
Rule summary: Match the verb to the subject. The predicate nominative’s number or case does not change agreement.
Passive voice and predicate nominatives
Predicate nominatives usually appear with linking verbs, not in passive constructions. Passive voice moves the object of an action into subject position, often followed by an action verb and sometimes a prepositional phrase.
- Active: The committee approved the plan. (action verb)
- Passive: The plan was approved by the committee. (passive action verb — complement is not a predicate nominative; “the plan” is subject receiving action)
Note: Do not confuse passive complements with predicate nominatives. Predicate nominatives identify the subject; passive constructions show the subject receiving action.
Appositives vs predicate nominatives
They can look alike but have different positions and roles.
- Appositive: Renames a noun and sits next to it.
- My sister, a doctor, lives nearby. (a doctor = appositive)
- Predicate nominative: Comes after a linking verb and renames the subject.
- My sister is a doctor. (a doctor = predicate nominative)
Parts-of-speech note: Both are nouns or noun phrases; position determines role.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Wrong pronoun case after linking verb
- Wrong: It is me. (informal)
- Formal fix: It is I.
- Why: Predicate nominative takes subjective case in prescriptive grammar.
- Confusing action verbs and linking verbs
- Wrong: She became a running.
- Fix: She became a runner. or She is running.
- Why: Runner is noun that can be predicate nominative; running as noun (gerund) might not fit intended meaning.
- Subject–verb agreement error when complement is plural
- Wrong: My favorite part are the examples.
- Fix: My favorite part is the examples. (Better: My favorite parts are the examples.)
- Why: Match verb to subject, not complement.
- Treating prepositional phrases as predicate nominatives
- Wrong: The answer is in the book. (not a predicate nominative; in the book is prepositional phrase)
- Fix: The answer is a chapter in the book. if renaming.
- Dangling or fragment complements
- Wrong: Better than expected. (fragment)
- Fix: The result was better than expected.
Idiomatic expressions and predicate nominatives
Some idioms use linking verbs and predicate nominatives:
- He is the man (for the job). — idiom with predicate nominative the man
- That is the spirit! — exclamatory predicate nominative the spirit
- It is I who decide. — emphatic structure with predicate pronoun
Grammar check: These idioms follow the same grammatical rules: linking verb + noun/pronoun complement.
American vs British English differences
The grammar rule for predicate nominatives is the same in American and British English, but usage notes differ slightly:
- Pronoun case: Both dialects accept informal objective-case complements (It’s me). Formal British writing may favor subjective forms slightly more than American informal writing, but the difference is small.
- Formality: Formal writing in both dialects tends toward It is I; everyday speech uses It’s me.
- Agreement and verbs: The subject–verb agreement rules are identical in both dialects.
Practical advice: Use subjective case in formal writing; use natural speech patterns in casual conversation.
Practical tips for writers and learners
- Spot the linking verb first. If you see is/are/was/been/become/seem, look for a predicate nominative.
- Ask the “renaming” question. Does the word after the verb rename or identify the subject? If yes, it’s a predicate nominative.
- Use subjective pronouns in formal writing. It is I / It was she.
- Match the verb to the subject. Don’t let a plural complement confuse you.
- Rephrase if unsure. Change assent into agreement or ascent into climb where ambiguity arises (not relevant here but useful generally).
- Practice with short sentences. Build confidence with simple linking-verb examples.
- Avoid fragments. Make sure your sentence has a subject and a verb.
- Watch for linking vs action sense. She looks nice (linking) vs She looks at the picture (action).
- Use the “equals” test. Replace linking verb with equals — if it still reads logically, you likely have a predicate nominative.
- Proofread pronoun case and agreement. Especially in formal writing.
Examples and parts-of-speech checks
Below are many sample sentences with short grammatical analysis (parts of speech and verb checks). These show predicate nominatives clearly.
- The winner is Maria.
- The winner (noun subject), is (linking verb), Maria (predicate nominative — noun).
- Verb tense/agreement: present simple, singular — correct.
- My favorite hobby is reading.
- My favorite hobby (noun phrase), is (linking verb), reading (gerund functioning as noun — predicate nominative).
- Note: Gerunds can act as predicate nominatives.
- The candidates were they.
- The candidates (plural subject), were (linking verb — plural), they (predicate pronoun — subjective case).
- Agreement: plural verb with plural subject — correct.
- Her dream became reality.
- Her dream (subject), became (linking verb, past), reality (predicate nominative).
- Tense and agreement correct.
- Is that the answer?
- Interrogative inversion: Is (linking verb) that (subject) the answer (predicate nominative).
- Question form correct.
- The problem is you. (informal) / The problem is you are late. (more formal structure)
- In the first, you is predicate pronoun (common in speech). In formal register, expand to full clause: The problem is that you are late.
Rewriting for clarity, style, and correctness
Below is a tighter, more polished version of the core explanation. It keeps simple wording but improves flow and precision.
Polished summary: A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject. Look for linking verbs (forms of be, become, seem) and ask whether the word after the verb answers who or what the subject is. Use the subjective case for pronouns in formal writing (It is I), and make sure the verb agrees with the subject, not with the complement. If a verb shows action, the following noun is probably an object, not a predicate nominative. Practice with short sentences and the “equals” test to gain confidence.
Conclusion
A predicate nominative is a simple but powerful part of grammar. It helps you rename or identify the subject after a linking verb. Recognizing predicate nominatives improves pronoun choice, avoids grammar errors, and strengthens clarity in both speech and writing. Remember to check linking verbs first, match verbs to the subject, and use subjective pronouns in formal writing. With a few quick tests — the equals test, asking who/what, and noting verb types — you will spot predicate nominatives easily. Practice and careful proofreading will make correct usage natural.
FAQs
- What is a predicate nominative in one sentence? A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames the subject.
- Can a gerund be a predicate nominative? Yes. Reading in My hobby is reading functions as a noun and is a predicate nominative.
- Which case should pronouns take after linking verbs? Formal grammar prefers the subjective case (I, he, she, we, they) after linking verbs.
- Is “It is me” wrong? Informal speech accepts It’s me. Formal writing favors It is I.
- How do I test for a predicate nominative? Replace the linking verb with equals or ask whether the word renames the subject.
- Does the predicate nominative affect verb agreement? No. The verb agrees with the subject, not with the predicate nominative.
- Do predicate nominatives only appear with be? No. They appear after other linking verbs too, such as become, seem, appear, remain.
- Are appositives the same as predicate nominatives? No. An appositive sits next to a noun and renames it; a predicate nominative follows a linking verb.
- Can a clause be a predicate nominative? Yes. A clause that renames the subject can function as a subject complement in complex sentences.
- Why does this matter for writing? Knowing predicate nominatives helps you use the correct pronoun case, keep clear sentences, and avoid common grammar errors.
