Predicate Adjectives in English | My Language Classes

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What Are Predicate Adjectives in English: Rules, Examples & Exercises

Ever wondered why we say โ€œThe soup smells deliciousโ€ instead of โ€œThe soup is a deliciousโ€? Or why โ€œHe became angryโ€ makes sense, but โ€œHe became angrilyโ€ doesnโ€™t? These are all examples of predicate adjectives in actionโ€”a powerful grammar concept every English learner needs to master.

So, what exactly are predicate adjectives in English grammar?
How do they work?
And how can you use them to make your sentences sound more natural and correct?

Youโ€™re about to find out.

Whether you’re just starting your English journey or brushing up on your grammar for professional fluency, understanding how predicate adjectives function will boost your sentence structure, vocabulary usage, and overall communication clarity. They’re found in daily conversations, songs, novels, and even school textbooksโ€”yet many learners misunderstand them or mix them up with other parts of speech like attributive adjectives or adverbs.

โ€œPredicate adjectives are adjectives that come after linking verbs and describe the subject of the sentence.โ€

Thatโ€™s it!
But thereโ€™s a lot more to learn to use them confidently and correctly in real-life communication.

According to authoritative resources like Merriam-Webster and Grammarly, predicate adjectives are essential for creating clear, descriptive statements and often follow common linking verbs like is, seems, becomes, and feels.

Hereโ€™s why they matter:

  • They help describe the subject directly and clearly
  • They work with linking verbs, not action verbs
  • Theyโ€™re often confused with adverbs or subject complements

As we go deeper into this blog, youโ€™ll learn how to recognize, form, and use predicate adjectives easilyโ€”with examples, tables, and practice exercises to help you feel confident in your everyday speech and writing.

Letโ€™s start with the basics.


What Is a Predicate Adjective? Explanation and Overview

A predicate adjective is an adjective that comes after a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. Itโ€™s called โ€œpredicateโ€ because it appears in the predicate part of the sentenceโ€”not before the noun like most adjectives.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Think of it this way:
Instead of saying โ€œa happy child,โ€ we say โ€œThe child is happy.โ€
In this case, โ€œhappyโ€ is a predicate adjectiveโ€”itโ€™s describing the child, but it comes after the verb โ€œis.โ€

What does predicate adjective mean in English?
A predicate adjective is a word that tells us more about the subject of the sentence, but it comes after a verb like is, seems, feels, or becomes.

โœ… Basic Structure:

Hereโ€™s the formula:

Subject + Linking Verb + Predicate Adjective

๐Ÿ“˜ Examples:

  • The weather is cold.
  • She feels tired.
  • They seem excited.
  • This soup tastes delicious.

In each example, the adjective at the end describes the subject, and it follows a linking verb.


๐Ÿ”— Whatโ€™s a Linking Verb?

Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject to additional informationโ€”they donโ€™t show action. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Be (is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been)
  • Seem
  • Feel
  • Look
  • Sound
  • Appear
  • Become
  • Grow
  • Taste
  • Smell

โœ๏ธ Example with different linking verbs:

  • He looks angry.
  • The cake smells amazing.
  • She became quiet.

These verbs act as bridges between the subject and the adjective that follows. That adjectiveโ€”called the predicate adjectiveโ€”tells us something about the subject.


๐Ÿง  Why Should You Learn Predicate Adjectives?

Predicate adjectives are everywhereโ€”in books, movies, news, and casual speech. If you understand how they work, you can:

  • Speak and write more naturally
  • Avoid common grammar mistakes
  • Improve your sentence structure
  • Build clearer and more confident communication

Understanding predicate adjectives is a big step in mastering English sentence patterns, especially if youโ€™re moving beyond basic sentence structures and want to sound fluent.


Everyday Sentences Using Predicate Adjectives: 10 Common Examples

Predicate adjectives are not just grammar theoryโ€”they show up in everyday life, all the time. Once you recognize how common they are, youโ€™ll start noticing them in real conversations, TV shows, and even your favorite songs.

Here are 10 easy and relatable examples of sentences that use predicate adjectives. Notice how each one follows the basic pattern:

Subject + Linking Verb + Predicate Adjective


โœ… 10 Real-Life Examples of Predicate Adjectives

  1. The coffee smells amazing.
    โ†’ โ€œAmazingโ€ tells us how the coffee smells.
  2. She is nervous about the test.
    โ†’ โ€œNervousโ€ describes she, after the verb is.
  3. They seem tired after the long trip.
    โ†’ โ€œTiredโ€ is the adjective that tells us about they.
  4. This movie looks interesting.
    โ†’ โ€œInterestingโ€ gives more information about this movie.
  5. He became angry when he heard the news.
    โ†’ โ€œAngryโ€ describes the change in his emotion.
  6. The sky is blue today.
    โ†’ โ€œBlueโ€ tells us what the sky looks like.
  7. You look confident on stage.
    โ†’ โ€œConfidentโ€ tells us how you appear.
  8. The room feels cold.
    โ†’ โ€œColdโ€ describes how the room feels.
  9. My brother is funny.
    โ†’ โ€œFunnyโ€ gives more information about my brother.
  10. Her explanation was clear.
    โ†’ โ€œClearโ€ tells us about her explanation after the linking verb was.

๐Ÿ”Ž Notice the Pattern?

  • All adjectives come after linking verbs.
  • They donโ€™t describe objectsโ€”they describe subjects.
  • These are not action verbs like run or eat. They are linking verbs that show a state or condition.

๐Ÿ’ก Real Talk Tip:

Predicate adjectives often express feelings, conditions, or opinionsโ€”things like tired, excited, upset, calm, friendly, delicious, or helpful. These are words we use all the time to describe how someone or something is.

Knowing how to use them lets you sound more natural, fluent, and expressiveโ€”whether you’re having a casual chat or writing an important message.


When to Use Predicate Adjectives: All the Key Situations

Predicate adjectives arenโ€™t just about grammarโ€”they help express how things are, feel, or seem in the moment. Youโ€™ll often use them when describing emotions, conditions, appearances, or states of being. Letโ€™s look at the most common and practical situations where predicate adjectives naturally appear in English.


๐ŸŸข 1. Describing Emotions and Feelings

Use predicate adjectives to talk about how someone feels emotionally.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • She is happy.
  • I feel anxious before exams.
  • They seem relaxed after yoga.

๐ŸŸข 2. Describing Physical States or Conditions

Talk about how someone or something is physically.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • He looks tired.
  • The soup is hot.
  • My hands feel cold.

๐ŸŸข 3. Describing Personality or Traits

You can describe a personโ€™s character or inner qualities.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • My brother is funny.
  • The teacher seems strict.
  • She is always kind.

๐ŸŸข 4. Talking About Appearances

When describing how things look to you or others, predicate adjectives are perfect.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • This dress looks beautiful.
  • The sky is cloudy today.
  • That building appears old.

๐ŸŸข 5. Talking About Taste, Smell, or Sound

Predicate adjectives follow verbs that describe the senses.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • This cake tastes delicious.
  • The perfume smells strong.
  • That song sounds amazing.

๐ŸŸข 6. Explaining Reactions or Changes Over Time

These are used to express a change of stateโ€”how something becomes different.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • He became upset after the call.
  • Itโ€™s getting dark outside.
  • The problem grew serious quickly.

๐ŸŸข 7. Giving Your Opinion or Judgement

You can use predicate adjectives to give opinions in a polite and formal way.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • That seems unfair.
  • Her idea sounds great.
  • The explanation is clear.

โœ… Recap in Quick Points:

You use predicate adjectives when:

  • Describing how something feels or appears
  • Talking about emotions or moods
  • Expressing physical states
  • Describing taste, smell, sound, or look
  • Talking about personality or behavior
  • Expressing opinion or judgement
  • Showing a change of condition or state

Conjugation Rules for Predicate Adjectives: Beginner-Friendly Guide

Predicate adjectives donโ€™t get conjugated themselvesโ€”the verb before them does. To use predicate adjectives correctly, you need to conjugate the linking verb that comes before the adjective to match the subject and tense of the sentence.

Understanding this will help you speak and write with accuracy and confidence.


๐ŸŽฏ The Golden Rule:

The adjective stays the same. Only the linking verb changes.


๐Ÿ“˜ Common Linking Verbs Used Before Predicate Adjectives:

Here are the most commonly used linking verbs that youโ€™ll see before predicate adjectives:

  • Be (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being)
  • Seem
  • Feel
  • Look
  • Sound
  • Smell
  • Taste
  • Become
  • Grow
  • Get
  • Turn
  • Stay

๐Ÿ“Š Table 1: Conjugation of โ€œBeโ€ with Predicate Adjectives

SubjectPresent TensePast TenseExample
IamwasI am tired. / I was tired.
YouarewereYou are happy. / You were happy.
He / She / ItiswasHe is sleepy. / He was sleepy.
We / TheyarewereThey are calm. / They were calm.

๐Ÿ“ Note: โ€œBeโ€ changes based on the subject and tense, but the adjective never changes.


๐Ÿ“Š Table 2: Other Common Linking Verbs in Use

VerbPresentPastExample (Present)Example (Past)
Seemseem(s)seemedShe seems tired.She seemed tired.
Looklook(s)lookedThey look excited.They looked excited.
Feelfeel(s)feltI feel cold.I felt cold.
Becomebecome(s)becameHe becomes angry.He became angry.
Getget(s)gotIt gets dark quickly.It got dark quickly.
Growgrow(s)grewShe grows quiet.She grew quiet.
Staystay(s)stayedThe room stays clean.The room stayed clean.

๐Ÿง  Beginner Tip:

Linking verbs often follow patterns of regular and irregular verbs:

  • Seem, look, feel, stay โ€“ usually regular (add -ed for past)
  • Become, get, grow โ€“ irregular and must be memorized

๐Ÿšซ What NOT to Do:

  • โŒ Wrong: She is cries. (mixing linking and action verbs)
  • โŒ Wrong: He feels angrily. (โ€œangrilyโ€ is an adverb, not an adjective)
  • โœ… Correct: He feels angry.

๐Ÿ“Œ Quick Review:

  • Conjugate the linking verb based on subject and tense
  • Keep the adjective unchanged
  • Use only adjectives, not adverbs, after linking verbs

Predicate Adjective Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Even though predicate adjectives may look simple, they follow specific grammar rules. Following these will help you avoid confusion and errors, especially when switching between adjectives and adverbs, or when dealing with different sentence structures.

Letโ€™s break down the essential grammar rules you need to master predicate adjectives in English.


๐Ÿ“˜ Rule 1: Predicate Adjectives Always Follow Linking Verbs

A predicate adjective must always come after a linking verbโ€”never before a noun like attributive adjectives do.

โœ… Correct:

  • The food is tasty.
  • You seem happy.

โŒ Incorrect:

  • The tasty is food.
  • You happy seem.

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: The adjective must describe the subjectโ€”not the action.


๐Ÿ“˜ Rule 2: The Adjective Describes the Subject, Not the Verb

Predicate adjectives are part of the subject complement, which means they describe or rename the subject, not the verb or object.

โœ… Correct:

  • This cake tastes delicious. (โ€œDeliciousโ€ describes โ€œcakeโ€)
  • He felt cold. (โ€œColdโ€ describes โ€œheโ€)

โŒ Incorrect:

  • He ran tiredly. (โ€œTiredlyโ€ is an adverb, not an adjective)
  • They looked slowly. (โ€œSlowlyโ€ describes action, not a state)

๐Ÿ“˜ Rule 3: Do Not Use Adverbs Instead of Predicate Adjectives

This is one of the most common mistakes learners make. Adverbs modify verbsโ€”not nouns or subjects. Predicate adjectives describe the subject, so an adjective, not an adverb, must follow the linking verb.

โœ… Correct:

  • She feels bad.
  • He looks angry.

โŒ Incorrect:

  • She feels badly.
  • He looks angrily.

โœ… โ€œBadโ€ is an adjective. โ€œBadlyโ€ is an adverb. In predicate adjective structures, we need adjectives.


๐Ÿ“˜ Rule 4: Some Verbs Can Act as Linking Verbs or Action Verbs

Be carefulโ€”some verbs (like look, feel, grow, smell) can be used as linking verbs or action verbs, depending on the meaning of the sentence.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  1. Linking verb (describing the subject):
    • The baby smells nice. (Describes how the baby smells)
  2. Action verb (describing what the subject is doing):
    • The baby smells the flowers. (Action of smelling)

This distinction is important when deciding whether to use an adjective or an adverb.


๐Ÿ“˜ Rule 5: Predicate Adjectives Can Be Compound (Two or More Words)

Predicate adjectives can include more than one adjective, usually joined by and or or.

โœ… Examples:

  • The weather is cold and windy.
  • She looks tired but happy.
  • That idea seems smart and practical.

These combinations still follow the same rule: describe the subject using adjectives after the linking verb.


๐Ÿ“˜ Rule 6: Use Predicate Adjectives with Questions Too

Predicate adjectives also appear in questions where the linking verb comes first.

โœ… Examples:

  • Is she okay?
  • Are you ready?
  • Does it seem difficult?

The adjective still describes the subject. The structure is just flipped for a question.


๐Ÿ“Œ Quick Summary of Rules:

RuleKey Point
1Comes after linking verbs
2Describes the subject, not the verb
3Use adjectives, not adverbs
4Know if the verb is linking or action
5Can be compound adjectives
6Used in questions too

Important Tips for Using Predicate Adjectives Correctly

Now that you understand what predicate adjectives are, letโ€™s level up. This section focuses on pro tips, real learner challenges, and expert insights to make your English sound more native-like. We wonโ€™t repeat any earlier rulesโ€”instead, weโ€™ll tackle common learner struggles that aren’t obvious at first glance.


๐Ÿง  Tip 1: Learn the “Adjective Feel” of Common Linking Verbs

Certain verbs almost always โ€œfeelโ€ like they lead to adjectivesโ€”not actions. If you get familiar with these, your instincts will get sharper.

๐Ÿ“ Quick memory hack:
If the verb answers the question โ€œWhat is the subject like?โ€, it likely needs an adjective.

๐Ÿ“Œ Practice with these examples:

  • He became(What did he become? Angry.)
  • The food tastes(What does it taste like? Spicy.)

โžก๏ธ Practicing this โ€œfeelโ€ helps avoid switching to adverbs by mistake.


๐Ÿ”„ Tip 2: Watch for Passive Voice Confusion

Predicate adjectives donโ€™t work well with passive voice. Some learners confuse passive voice verbs (like was built, was eaten) with linking verbs like was, is, or became.

โœ… Predicate adjective:

  • The car is fast.

โŒ Not a predicate adjective:

  • The car was built quickly. (โ€œQuicklyโ€ is an adverb in passive voice, not a predicate adjective.)

โžก๏ธ Predicate adjectives describe a state, not a completed action.


๐Ÿ” Tip 3: Use a Dictionary to Check if a Word Is an Adjective

Many English words can be both adjectives and adverbs, or even nouns. When in doubt, quickly check a reliable source like Cambridge Dictionary or Merriam-Webster.

Example:

  • โ€œFastโ€ is both an adjective and an adverb.
  • โ€œQuickโ€ is only an adjective.
  • โ€œQuicklyโ€ is only an adverb.

Using the right form will make your sentences clearer and grammatically correct.


โœ๏ธ Tip 4: Use Predicate Adjectives in Writing to Add Emotion

Predicate adjectives are great tools for emotional depth in writingโ€”especially storytelling, letters, or dialogue.

๐Ÿ“Œ Instead of:

  • โ€œShe walked away.โ€

Try:

  • โ€œShe walked away. She seemed broken.โ€
    โ†’ Adds emotional weight using a predicate adjective.

โžก๏ธ Writers and speakers use this trick to make language more personal and expressive.


๐Ÿ”— Tip 5: Pair Predicate Adjectives with Modifiers for More Precision

You can enhance your adjectives by pairing them with intensifiers like:

  • Very
  • A bit
  • Extremely
  • Too
  • Quite
  • So

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • The teacher is very kind.
  • The room felt quite stuffy.
  • They seem too nervous to speak.

โžก๏ธ This adds variety and natural flow to your language.


๐Ÿ“ข Tip 6: Listen for Predicate Adjectives in Real Speech

If you’re learning English actively, listen to short dialogues, movies, or YouTube clips. Pay attention to phrases that sound like:

  • โ€œShe seems tired.โ€
  • โ€œThatโ€™s interesting.โ€
  • โ€œYou look great.โ€

Write them down. Repeat them aloud. These are real-world sentence chunks that native speakers use all the time.

โžก๏ธ This will build your speaking fluency naturally.


๐Ÿงฉ Tip 7: Use Sentence Frames to Practice

Create flexible sentence frames you can swap words into, like:

  • โ€œI feel ___.โ€
  • โ€œThat looks ___.โ€
  • โ€œYou are ___.โ€
  • โ€œThe movie was ___.โ€

โžก๏ธ Use these frames daily. It improves both vocabulary recall and grammar confidence.


๐Ÿง  Expert Reminder:

Predicate adjectives are about expressing how something isโ€”not what it does. The more you observe, speak, and write them, the easier they become.


Common Mistakes with Predicate Adjectives and How to Fix Them

Even advanced learners slip up when it comes to predicate adjectivesโ€”not because the grammar is hard, but because certain habits or confusion with other grammar elements sneak in. Letโ€™s break down the most frequent, often overlooked mistakes and learn how to fix them with confidence.


โŒ Mistake 1: Using a Predicate Adjective with the Wrong Type of Verb

Learners sometimes place adjectives after action verbs rather than linking verbsโ€”leading to grammatically incorrect sentences.

๐Ÿšซ Incorrect:

  • She ran tired.
    (โ€œRanโ€ is an action verb; it needs an adverb or a separate clause.)

โœ… Correct:

  • She was tired after running.
    OR
  • She ran and felt tired.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fix: Always checkโ€”is the verb linking or action? Predicate adjectives follow linking verbs only.


โŒ Mistake 2: Overusing “Be” and Ignoring Other Linking Verbs

Many learners rely too heavily on โ€œis,โ€ โ€œwas,โ€ or โ€œareโ€, missing out on other natural linking verbs like seem, feel, grow, appear, etc.

๐Ÿšซ Incorrect or unnatural:

  • He is angry suddenly.
    (Adverb use is incorrect and verb choice is weak.)

โœ… Better:

  • He grew angry.
  • He seemed angry.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fix: Expand your verb variety. Using diverse linking verbs makes your English sound more fluent and emotional.


โŒ Mistake 3: Confusing Predicate Adjectives with Object Complements

Sometimes learners mistake a predicate adjective for something that completes an object, especially after verbs like โ€œmake,โ€ โ€œfind,โ€ or โ€œconsider.โ€

๐Ÿšซ Incorrect:

  • I found the book interesting. (Not a predicate adjectiveโ€”this is an object complement.)

โœ… Correct predicate adjective example:

  • The book is interesting.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fix: Ask: โ€œIs the adjective describing the subject directly after a linking verb?โ€ If not, it may not be a predicate adjective at all.


โŒ Mistake 4: Forgetting Subjectโ€“Verb Agreement with Linking Verbs

When using “be” verbs, learners sometimes mismatch singular or plural subjects with their verb formโ€”making the sentence grammatically incorrect before the adjective even appears.

๐Ÿšซ Incorrect:

  • The students is happy.

โœ… Correct:

  • The students are happy.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fix: Double-check subjectโ€“verb agreement before you even think about the adjective.


โŒ Mistake 5: Placing Adjectives in the Wrong Spot

Some learners try to put the adjective before the linking verb, creating an unnatural structure.

๐Ÿšซ Incorrect:

  • Tired is he.
  • Delicious is the cake.

โœ… Correct:

  • He is tired.
  • The cake is delicious.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fix: Predicate adjectives always come after the verbโ€”not before.


โŒ Mistake 6: Translating Directly from Other Languages

In some languages, adjectives may come before or after differently, or linking verbs may not be used at all. When learners translate word-for-word, they often misplace the adjective or drop the verb.

๐Ÿšซ Incorrect (direct translation):

  • He tired.
  • My mom beautiful.

โœ… Correct:

  • He is tired.
  • My mom is beautiful.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fix: Always include a linking verb when using a predicate adjective in English.


โŒ Mistake 7: Repeating the Same Predicate Adjectives

While not grammatically wrong, overusing basic adjectives like โ€œgood,โ€ โ€œbad,โ€ or โ€œhappyโ€ makes writing and speech dull.

๐Ÿ“Œ Instead of:

  • That is good.
  • She is good.
  • The day is good.

โœ… Try:

  • That is brilliant.
  • She is kind-hearted.
  • The day is peaceful.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fix: Build your descriptive vocabularyโ€”use richer, more expressive adjectives to convey nuance.


โœ… Final Tip:

When editing your sentences, read them aloud. If they answer โ€œWhat is the subject like?โ€ clearly and naturally with a linking verb and adjectiveโ€”youโ€™re using predicate adjectives correctly.


20 Predicate Adjective Example Sentences for Better Understanding

The best way to internalize grammar is through real-world, complete sentence examples. These sentences will help you see how predicate adjectives are used naturally in conversation, storytelling, and everyday situations.

Each example clearly shows:

  • A subject
  • A linking verb
  • A predicate adjective describing the subject

๐ŸŸข Beginner-Friendly Sentences (1โ€“10)

  1. The flowers are beautiful.
  2. He feels sleepy after lunch.
  3. My sister is kind and patient.
  4. The sky looks gray today.
  5. You seem nervous about the test.
  6. This pizza tastes amazing.
  7. Her voice sounds calm and clear.
  8. We are ready to start.
  9. The children were excited.
  10. That cat is very quiet.

๐Ÿ”ต Slightly More Advanced Sentences (11โ€“20)

  1. She became frustrated with the delay.
  2. Your idea sounds brilliant.
  3. The room stayed warm all night.
  4. He grew angry during the meeting.
  5. This milk smells spoiled.
  6. My hands are cold.
  7. They looked surprised by the news.
  8. The teacher is incredibly strict.
  9. It got darker as we walked.
  10. You are always so thoughtful.

Predicate Adjective Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

Ready to see how well youโ€™ve understood predicate adjectives? Below are 20 fill-in-the-blank questions designed to strengthen your grammar and vocabulary. Each sentence includes a linking verbโ€”you just need to choose the correct predicate adjective that fits the subject and context.

Try to complete them without looking back at previous examples. This is a great way to build real confidence and fluency.


โœ๏ธ Fill in the Blank with the Most Suitable Predicate Adjective:

  1. The soup smells __________.
  2. She seems __________ about the interview.
  3. My shoes are __________ from the rain.
  4. That explanation was __________ and helpful.
  5. He became __________ after losing the game.
  6. The sky looks __________ tonight.
  7. I feel __________ after the long trip.
  8. Their teacher is always __________ and kind.
  9. It got __________ as the storm approached.
  10. You look __________ in that outfit.
  11. The milk tastes __________โ€”donโ€™t drink it!
  12. They were __________ when they heard the surprise.
  13. This room stays __________ even in summer.
  14. Your handwriting is really __________.
  15. The mountain air feels __________ and clean.
  16. Her idea sounds __________ to me.
  17. The puppy is so __________ and playful.
  18. He grew __________ during the conversation.
  19. These cookies are still __________ and warm.
  20. The water is too __________ to swim in.

Check Your Answers for the Predicate Adjective Exercise

Here are the correct answers for each of the 20 fill-in-the-blank sentences from the previous section. These answers use natural, commonly used predicate adjectives. Keep in mind, in real-life English, some variations are possibleโ€”so donโ€™t worry if your answer was different but still made sense grammatically and contextually.


โœ… Correct Answers:

  1. The soup smells delicious.
  2. She seems nervous about the interview.
  3. My shoes are wet from the rain.
  4. That explanation was clear and helpful.
  5. He became upset after losing the game.
  6. The sky looks beautiful tonight.
  7. I feel exhausted after the long trip.
  8. Their teacher is always patient and kind.
  9. It got darker as the storm approached.
  10. You look fantastic in that outfit.
  11. The milk tastes sourโ€”donโ€™t drink it!
  12. They were shocked when they heard the surprise.
  13. This room stays cool even in summer.
  14. Your handwriting is really neat.
  15. The mountain air feels fresh and clean.
  16. Her idea sounds brilliant to me.
  17. The puppy is so cute and playful.
  18. He grew angry during the conversation.
  19. These cookies are still soft and warm.
  20. The water is too cold to swim in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Predicate Adjectives

Even after learning the rules and examples, itโ€™s normal to have doubts. This section answers real questions learners often askโ€”whether in classrooms, online forums, or during conversation practice. Letโ€™s make everything crystal clear!


โ“1. What is the difference between predicate adjectives and attributive adjectives?

โœ… Predicate adjectives come after a linking verb and describe the subject.
โœ… Attributive adjectives come before the noun they describe.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • Predicate: The baby is happy.
  • Attributive: The happy baby is sleeping.

โ“2. Can you use more than one predicate adjective in a sentence?

Yes! You can use compound predicate adjectives joined by and, but, or or.

๐Ÿ“Œ Example:

  • He felt tired and weak.
  • The room is quiet but warm.

โ“3. Are all adjectives after verbs considered predicate adjectives?

No. Only adjectives that follow linking verbs and describe the subject are predicate adjectives.

๐Ÿ“Œ Not a predicate adjective:

  • They painted the wall blue.
    Here, blue is an object complement, not a predicate adjective.

โ“4. Can adverbs be used as predicate adjectives?

No. Predicate adjectives must be adjectives, not adverbs.

๐Ÿ“Œ Incorrect: She feels badly.
๐Ÿ“Œ Correct: She feels bad.

Adverbs describe actionsโ€”not the subject.


โ“5. What linking verbs are commonly used with predicate adjectives?

The most frequent ones include:

  • Be (is, am, are, was, were)
  • Feel
  • Look
  • Seem
  • Become
  • Grow
  • Taste
  • Smell
  • Sound
  • Stay
  • Get

These verbs connect the subject to the adjective.


โ“6. Can predicate adjectives be used in questions?

Absolutely! Theyโ€™re very common in questions that check for condition, mood, or opinion.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • Are you okay?
  • Is she nervous?
  • Does he seem angry?

โ“7. Do predicate adjectives change based on number or gender?

No. Unlike some languages, English adjectives do not change based on gender or plural forms.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • He is tired.
  • They are tired.
  • She is tired.

The adjective remains the same in all cases.


โ“8. Can I use intensifiers (like โ€œveryโ€ or โ€œtooโ€) with predicate adjectives?

Yes! In fact, it makes your speech more expressive.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • She is very happy.
  • It feels too cold to swim.
  • He seems quite tired today.

โ“9. How can I tell if a verb is a linking verb or an action verb?

Ask this: โ€œIs the verb connecting the subject to a state or description?โ€

If yes โ†’ Itโ€™s likely a linking verb.
If the subject is doing something โ†’ Itโ€™s likely an action verb.

๐Ÿ“Œ Examples:

  • Linking: She looks tired. (description)
  • Action: She looked at me. (action)

โ“10. Can predicate adjectives appear in formal writing?

Definitely. Predicate adjectives are used in all types of writing, from emails to academic essays.

๐Ÿ“Œ Example:

  • The report was thorough and well-organized.

They make writing clearer and more concise when describing the subject.


Key Takeaways: Predicate Adjective Summary and Important Points

  • Predicate adjectives come after linking verbs and describe the subject of the sentence.
  • Common linking verbs include: is, are, was, were, seem, feel, look, sound, become, get, grow, taste, smell, stay.
  • The adjective never changes formโ€”only the linking verb is conjugated.
  • Predicate adjectives answer the question: โ€œWhat is the subject like?โ€
  • They express emotions, physical states, appearances, conditions, or opinions.
  • Avoid using adverbs where adjectives are needed after linking verbs.
  • Predicate adjectives are used in statements and questions (e.g., โ€œAre you okay?โ€).
  • You can use more than one adjective (compound predicate adjectives) in the same sentence.
  • Predicate adjectives are not the same as object complements or attributive adjectives.
  • Use intensifiers (like very, quite, too) to make your sentences more expressive.
  • Recognizing and using predicate adjectives improves fluency, tone, and clarity in both speaking and writing.

Conclusion: Mastering Predicate Adjectives in English | My Language Classes

Predicate adjectives may seem small, but they play a huge role in making your English sound smooth, natural, and expressive. From describing how you feel to commenting on someoneโ€™s ideas or how food tastesโ€”predicate adjectives are everywhere.

By now, you know:

  • What predicate adjectives are
  • When and how to use them
  • How to avoid common mistakes
  • And how to practice them with confidence

Whether youโ€™re writing an email, speaking to a friend, or preparing for an English test, predicate adjectives help you speak clearly and confidentlyโ€”without sounding robotic or awkward.

And the best part? Youโ€™ve just added another powerful tool to your language-learning journey. So keep practicing, keep noticing these structures in conversations and media, and keep growing.


โœ… Whatโ€™s Next?

๐ŸŽ“ Want more grammar guides like this?
๐Ÿ“ฒ Visit mylanguageclasses.in for full lessons and blog posts in English, Spanish, and Japanese.

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Thanks for learning with My Language Classes. Stay curious, keep practicing, and rememberโ€”your words have power. Use them with confidence!

If you found this guide helpful, Iโ€™d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with me on social media. For more tips, resources, and inspiration, visit my blog at mylanguageclasses.in. Follow on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube

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