GrammarReview

S V PN

V = verb: in this case, a linking verb S = subject: noun or pronoun

performing the action PN= predicate nominatives: comes

after a linking verb and renames the subject. You can find the PN by asking the question “what?”

Important to Remember

If your verb is an action verb, you will find a direct object

If your verb is a linking verb, you will find a predicate noun

Common Linking Verbs

Is Am Are Was Were Be Being Been

S V PN

Step 1: Cross out any prepositional phrases.Step 2: Find the verb.

-Is the verb a linking verb or action verb?-If the verb is an action verb, you cannot have a predicate noun.

Step 3: Ask “who or what is (insert verb)?”-The answer to this question is the

subject.Step 4: Say “(insert subject) (insert verb) what?”

-Is the answer a noun or adjective?-If answer is “noun,” then you have a predicate

noun

S V PN Example

He will be the president of his company.Step 1: Cross out prepositional phrases.

OF HIS COMPANY(OF = preposition)Step 2: Find the action.

WILL BE (verb) -Is “will be” a linking verb? YES

Step 3: Who or what will be? HE (subject)Step 4: He will be what? PRESIDENT -Is “president a noun? YES PRESIDENT (PREDICATE NOUN)

S V PA

V = verb: in this case, a linking verb S = subject: noun or pronoun

performing the action PA= predicate adjectives: comes after

a linking verb and re-describes the subject. You can find the PA by asking the question “what?”

S V PA

Step 1: Cross out any prepositional phrases.Step 2: Find the verb.

-Is the verb a linking verb or action verb?-If the verb is an action verb, you cannot have a predicate adjective.

Step 3: Ask “who or what is (insert verb)?”-The answer to this question is the

subject.Step 4: Say “(insert subject) (insert verb) what?”

-Is the answer a noun or adjective?-If answer is “adjective,” then you have a

predicate adjective

S V PA Example

She will be successful as CEO.Step 1: Cross out prepositional phrases.

AS CEO (AS= preposition)Step 2: Find the action.

WILL BE (verb) -Is “will be” a linking verb? YES

Step 3: Who or what will be? SHE (subject)Step 4: She will be what? SUCCESSFUL -Is “successful” a noun? NO

-Is “successful” an adjective? YES SUCCESSFUL(PREDICATE ADJECTIVE)

Practice

Copy the following sentences. Cross out the prepositional phrases, label the S, V, PN, and PA as appropriate.

› 1. In North Dakota, the weather is unpredictable.

› 2. The cowboy is a rodeo hero from the West.

› 3. James worried about his grade.