1. Part 4: Linking Verbs, Predicate Adjectives, and Predicate Nominatives
Sentence Diagramming
Part 4:
Linking Verbs, Predicate Adjectives, and Predicate Nominatives

2. What is a Predicate Nominative?
Is a NOUN or PRONOUN
That follows a LINKING VERB
And that refers back to the SUBJECT of the sentence
Is sometimes called a “Predicate Noun”
Examples:
Jadier Molina is the catcher.
The Cardinals are a team.
Linking verb
Predicate nominative (noun)
Linking verb
Predicate nominative (noun)

3. Diagramming Predicate Nominatives
A PREDICATE NOMINATIVE (Predicate Noun) is just like a direct object, except:
It follows a LINKING VERB.
It is diagrammed on the baseline with the subject and verb.
A diagonal line separates the verb and the predicate nominative.
Example: Jadier Molina is the catcher.
Jadier Molina is
catcher
subject - noun
linking verb
predicate nominative

4. More Predicate Nominative Practice
Tony LaRusa is the team manager.
Tony LaRusa is
manager
subject
linking verb
Predicate nominative
The Cardinals are the winners.
Cardinals
are
winners
subject
linking verb
Predicate nominative
The outfielders were an embarrassment.
outfielders
were
embarrassment
subject
linking verb
Predicate nominative

5. What is a Predicate Adjective?
A Predicate Adjective is:
An ADJECTIVE (describing word)
That follows a LINKING VERB, and
describes the SUBJECT of the sentence.
Example: The umpire is terrible.
umpire is
terrible
subject - noun
linking verb
predicate adjective

6. More Predicate Adjective Practice:
The crowd was fanatical.
crowd
was
fanatical
subject
linking verb
Predicate Adjective
This game is exciting!
game is
exciting
subject
linking verb
Predicate Adjective
The new stadium will be awesome!
stadium
will be
awesome
subject
linking verb
Predicate Adjective

7. PA & PN vs. Direct Objects?
Predicate Nominatives (PN) and Predicate Adjectives (PA) are similar to direct objects (DO), except:
They follow a linking verb,
They refer back to the subject (D.O. does not)
They are diagrammed with a diagonal line.
When determining a PA, PN, or DO, always:
***LOOK AT THE VERB***
Linking Verb = PA or PN
Action Verb = DO

8. linking verb (Verb Phrase)
PA, PN, & DO Practice:
The third-base coach was flabbergasted!
coach
was
flabbergasted
subject
linking verb
Predicate Adjective
The St. Louis Cardinals scored nine runs in the eighth inning.
Cardinals
scored
runs
subject
action verb
Direct Object
Matt Morris should have been the pitcher.
Matt Morris
should have been
pitcher
subject
linking verb (Verb Phrase)
Predicate Nominative