Definition

Referring to a word or phrase that is used after a verb to describe the subject, rather than being part of the subject itself.

Example

In the sentence 'The sky is blue', the word 'blue' is predicative because it follows the verb and describes the subject.

Conversation

I was reading about grammar rules and came across the term predicative adjectives.

Oh, really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they come after a verb, like "She is happy."

Got it! So, it’s different from attributive adjectives, right?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A part of a sentence that provides additional information about the subject or object, often linked by a verb. It can be a noun or an adjective.

Example

In the sentence 'She is a teacher', 'a teacher' is the predicative that describes the subject.

Conversation

I was reading about grammar, and I came across the term predicative.

Oh really? What does it mean?

It's an element of the predicate that adds more detail about the subject or object.

Root Explanation

Predicative → It is formed from "praedicare" (meaning to proclaim or declare) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "predicative" refers to something that is related to or serves as a predicate, essentially declaring something about the subject.

Memory Tip

Think of 'proclaiming' or 'declaring' something about a subject — that's what 'predicative' means, as it relates to making a statement about something.

Visually Confused Words