This is a special type of adjective that follows a linking verb and modifies (directly refers to) the subject of the sentence.
[In the following examples, the predicate adjective is bold and the subject/noun is underlined.]
People are interested in this game.
- ARE is a linking verb connecting the subject PEOPLE with its descriptor of equal weight INTERESTED.
- Note: The descriptor is an adjective; therefore, it is a predicate adjective. A noun would be a predicate nominative.
Watching the championship was fun.
- WAS is a linking verb connecting the subject WATCHING with its descriptor of equal weight FUN.
- Note: WATCHING is the form of a verb used as a noun—a gerund.
Don argues that cheering for a team can be nerve-wracking, too.
- CAN BE is a linking verb connecting the subject CHEERING with its descriptor of equal weight NERVE-WRACKING.
- Note: CHEERING is the form of a verb used as a noun—a gerund.
If you‘re not careful, the whole group is going to judge you on what you do on this day.
- ARE in the contraction YOU’RE is a linking verb connecting the subject YOU with its descriptor of equal weight CAREFUL.
The two teams look very similar in the tempo that they play.
- LOOK is a linking verb connecting the subject TEAMS with its descriptor of equal weight SIMILAR.
- Note: TO BE is not the only linking verb.
Stan does not seem scared of them.
- DOES SEEM is a linking verb connecting the subject STAN with its descriptor of equal weight SCARED.
