subject complements - a noun, pronoun, or an
adjective that completes the
meaning of a linking verb
- there are two types: predicate
adjective and predicate nominative
Which sentence has a subject complement?
1. I like penguins.
2. The children were excited.
3. We are going to the museum this weekend.
We need to start thinking about sentences as
equations. Each “equation” needs three parts:
1. a subject
2. a verb 3. a complement
The “equation” for a linking verb sentence:
predicate nominative-a noun or pronoun in the
predicate that identifies or explains
the subject of the linking verb
ex) I am a teacher.
Now you try!
1. The boy was only a kindergartener.
2. Here is the paper.
Predicate Adjective-an adjective in the
predicate that describes the subject
of a linking verb
ex) I am happy.
Now you try!
1. He seemed excited but nervous.
2. The tomato turned red on the vine.