Introduction
In English grammar, a predicative is an element of the clause that complements the subject or the object by providing additional information about it. Predicatives can be essential in expressing a complete thought and come in two main types: subject predicatives and object predicatives. This guide will delve into the roles, forms, and functions of predicatives in English sentences.
Types of Predicatives
- Subject Predicative (Subject Complement):
- A subject predicative follows a linking verb and provides more information about the subject. It describes or renames the subject. Linking verbs often include forms of “to be” (am, is, are, was, were), “become,” “seem,” “look,” “feel,” “sound,” “smell,” and others. For example, in the sentence “The sky is blue,” “blue” is the subject predicative complementing “the sky.”
- Object Predicative (Object Complement):
- An object predicative follows the direct object and provides additional information about it, often describing or renaming the object. For example, in the sentence “They elected him president,” “president” is the object predicative that gives more information about “him.”
Forms of Predicatives
Predicatives can take several forms:
- Nouns and Noun Phrases: Used to rename the subject or object. Example: “Julia is a teacher.”
- Adjectives and Adjective Phrases: Used to describe the subject or object. Example: “The flowers smell fresh.”
- Prepositional Phrases: Sometimes used as part of the predicative structure. Example: “His favorite toy is on the table.”
Functions of Predicatives
- Describing or Renaming: Predicatives provide essential details that qualify or modify subjects and objects, thereby enriching the sentence’s meaning.
- Completing the Verb: In sentences with linking verbs, the predicative completes the meaning of the verb, binding the subject to additional information.
- Enhancing Sentence Variety: By using different types of predicatives, writers can vary their sentence structures and improve the flow and clarity of their writing.
Identifying Predicatives in Sentences
To identify a predicative, look for a word or phrase that:
- Follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject. For example, in “She became interested in the project,” “interested in the project” is the subject predicative.
- Follows and describes or renames a direct object. For example, in “They painted the house red,” “red” is the object predicative.
Common Mistakes with Predicatives
- Confusing with Adverbials: Sometimes, adjectives in the predicative position might be mistaken for adverbs. Ensure that the word is describing the noun, not the verb. Example: “The fish smells fresh” (fresh describes the fish, not how it smells).
- Misidentifying the Type of Verb: Not all verbs are linking verbs. Ensure that the verb can support a predicative. For example, “He runs fast” does not have a predicative because “runs” is not a linking verb.
Exercises for Practice
- Identify the predicative and its type: “The decision was difficult.”
- Rewrite the sentence using a different form of predicative: “My brother is a mechanic.”
- Explain the function of the predicative in the sentence: “The evening grew cold.”
Advanced Usage
- Predicatives in Passive Constructions: When sentences are transformed into the passive voice, the predicative remains with the subject. For example, “A fool was considered him” is incorrect; the correct form is “He was considered a fool.”
- Implications of Predicative Omission: Leaving out a necessary predicative can lead to incomplete or ambiguous sentences, affecting the clarity of communication.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of predicatives allows for more precise and varied expression in English. By effectively identifying and employing subject and object predicatives, writers and speakers can enhance the depth and clarity of their communications. Regular practice with identifying and using different types of predicatives will aid in achieving fluency and accuracy in English grammar.