English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns
Identify linking verbs, predicate adjectives, and predicate nouns
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Accurately identify linking verbs within complex sentences from literary texts.
Differentiate between linking verbs (e.g., 'taste', 'smell', 'feel') and their action verb counterparts.
Define and locate predicate adjectives that modify the subject of a sentence.
Define and locate predicate nouns (nominatives) that rename or identify the subject.
Analyze how authors use these grammatical structures to develop character or theme.
Construct original sentences that correctly employ linking verbs with both predicate adjectives and predicate nouns.
How can a simple verb act like an equals sign in a sentence, connecting a character to their deepest traits or ultimate fate? 🤔 Let's find out.
This tutorial dissects a fundamenta...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Linking VerbA verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase in the predicate that describes or renames it. It expresses a state of being, not an action.In the novel, the protagonist IS a symbol of rebellion. ('is' connects 'protagonist' to 'symbol')
Predicate AdjectiveAn adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies (describes) the subject of the sentence.The ending of the epic poem felt INEVITABLE. ('inevitable' describes 'ending')
Predicate Noun (Predicate Nominative)A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames, identifies, or defines the subject.For many, Odysseus remains the quintessential HERO. ('hero' renames 'Odysseus')
Subject ComplementThe general term...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Equals Sign' Test
Subject = Subject Complement
A true linking verb acts like a mathematical equals sign (=). If you can replace the verb with 'is,' 'are,' or 'was' and the sentence still makes logical sense, it is likely a linking verb. For example, in 'The hero seems brave,' you can say 'The hero = brave,' which makes sense.
The Action vs. State of Being Test
Is the subject DOING something, or is the verb describing the subject's CONDITION?
This is essential for verbs that can be both linking and action (e.g., look, feel, taste, grow, appear, prove, remain, smell, sound). Ask if the subject is performing an action. In 'He tasted the soup,' 'he' is performing an action. In 'The sou...
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Challenging
An author wants to establish a character's internal state of anxiety without using an action verb. Which sentence most effectively uses a linking verb and predicate adjective to achieve this?
A.The character nervously paced the room.
B.The character's expression grew frantic.
C.The character wrung his hands in despair.
D.The character felt a wave of panic.
Challenging
In Chinua Achebe's *Things Fall Apart*, a character might be described with the sentence: 'Okonkwo was a man of war.' Why is this construction (using a linking verb and predicate noun) more thematically impactful than saying 'Okonkwo fought many wars'?
A.It emphasizes a single action rather than a repeated one.
B.It defines his fundamental identity rather than just his actions.
C.It is a more complex sentence structure, showing the author's skill.
D.It suggests that Okonkwo was forced into battle against his will.
Challenging
Analyze this complex sentence: 'Although the methodology was sound, the ultimate conclusion of the multi-year study, which surprised the entire research community, became a source of intense debate.' What is the subject complement of the main clause?
A.sound
B.a source of intense debate
C.the entire research community
D.methodology
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