What Is a Predicate Noun in English Grammar? Definition and Examples

Learn what a predicate noun (predicate nominative) is in English grammar with clear examples and explanations.

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Predicate noun, also known as a predicate nominative, is a noun or noun phrase that follows a linking verb and renames or provides more information about the subject of the sentence. For example, in the sentence 'She is a doctor,' ‘doctor’ is the predicate noun that renames the subject, 'She.'

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the difference between a predicate noun and a predicate adjective? A predicate noun renames the subject and is a noun or noun phrase, whereas a predicate adjective describes the subject and is an adjective.
  2. Which verbs are commonly followed by predicate nouns? Linking verbs such as 'is,' 'are,' 'was,' and 'were' are commonly followed by predicate nouns.
  3. Can you give an example of a predicate noun? In the sentence 'She is a doctor,' the word 'doctor' is the predicate noun that renames the subject 'She.'