Section 1
Predicate Nominatives
Definition
A predicate nominative is a word or word group that is in the predicate and that identifies the subject or refers to it.
Explanation
Think of a predicate nominative as a word that renames the subject. It always follows a linking verb (like is, was, became) and answers the question "who?" or "what?" about the subject. To find the predicate nominative in a question, it's super helpful to rearrange it into a simple statement first!
Examples
- The author of the article should have been Mr. Henderson. [The proper noun Mr. Henderson identifies the subject author.]
- Is the new class president she? [The pronoun she identifies the subject president.]
- My dad's favorite movie is "The Great Escape." [The word group "The Great Escape" identifies the subject movie.]