Revised as of
16 Feb 2023
The predicative is actually inclined to the predicate.
It simply means that words used in the predicate position are considered predicative, a word that mostly appears as an abbreviation, pred., in the dictionary to indicate that this sense of the word being defined is used in the predicate position.
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. . . an evolving list of the structural rules and principles that determines where words are placed in phrases or sentences as well as how the language is spoken. Sometimes I run across an example that helps explain better or another “also known as”. Heck, there’s always a better way to explain it, so if it makes quicker and/or better sense, I would appreciate suggestions and comments from anyone on an area of grammar with which you struggle or on which you can contribute more understanding.
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| Predicative | ||||||
| Part of Speech: Modifier | ||||||
| General Definition: Designates the predicate position in a sentence taken by an adjective or noun that occurs after a linking verb.
The opposite of attributive. Dictionary Term: Dictionaries frequently include an abbreviated “note”, [ predic. ], in definitions to indicate a modification of the term being defined. |
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| Predicate Adjective | Definition: Modifies the subject of the sentence.
Read more on the post on adjectives. A.k.a. predicative adjective |
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Legend:
He became mad. The day was stormy. The jacket is expensive. All people should be whole in body, mind, and spirit. |
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| Predicative-Only Adjective | Rule: Some adjectives can only be used in a predicate position and include:
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List of Predicative-Only Adjectives | |||||
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Credit to: Kosur |
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| Predicate Noun | Definition: A single noun or a noun phrase that renames the subject of a sentence and follows a stative or linking verb.
Read more in the “Nouns” post on predicate nouns. |
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Legend:
Edward was king. My son became a professional soccer player. Mary Smith may be our next president. |
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| Predicate Pronoun | Definition: Follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence.
Read more in the “Pronouns” post on predicate pronouns. |
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Legend:
I am he. Sara baked it. Henry got it. Did you make this? |
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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
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Resources for Predicative
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Chalker, Sylvia and Edmund Weiner. The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar. Oxford University Press: 1994. <https://amzn.to/3I1JJ8J>. Print.
Kosur, Heather Marie. “Predicative-Only Adjectives.” Linguistics Girl. 2013. Web. n.d. <http://www.linguisticsgirl.com/predicative-only-adjectives/#WGyPlDCSOcpr3xFx.99>.
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