Predicate Adjectives

A subject complement is a complement that identifies or modifies the subject of a linking verb.

A predicate adjective is a type of subject complement. A predicate adjective is an adjective that is in the predicate and that modifies or describes the subject of a linking verb.

EXAMPLES

The puppy seemed energetic after its bath. [The predicate adjective energetic describes the subject puppy.]
Is this set of antique dishes complete? [The predicate adjective complete describes the subject set.]

NOTE

Sometimes writers place a predicate adjective before the subject and the verb for emphasis.

EXAMPLE

Hot and muggy was our hike through the woods. [The predicate adjectives Hot and muggy modify the subject hike.]

NOTE

Not all adjectives that are in the predicate are predicate adjectives. Remember that a predicate adjective describes only the subject.

EXAMPLES

The Pirates of Penzance is probably popular among fans of musicals. [Popular is a predicate adjective because it completes the meaning of the linking verb is and describes the subject The Pirates of Penzance.]

The Pirates of Penzance is probably a popular production among fans of musicals. [The adjective popular describes production, not the subject The Pirates of Penzance. Popular is not a predicate adjective.]

Compound Predicate Adjectives

A predicate adjective may be compound.

EXAMPLE

These porcelain vases are rare and expensive. [The predicate adjectives rare and expensive describe the subject vases.]