Predicate nouns are one of those grammar elements that sound complicated but are actually pretty simple once you see how they work. In this lesson, we’ll explore what predicate nouns are, how to find them in sentences, and how they differ from predicate adjectives. Then, we’ll practice identifying and using them correctly.
Grammar Notes: Predicate Nouns
A predicate noun (also called a predicate nominative) renames or identifies the subject of a sentence.
Predicate nouns follow a linking verb (most often forms of to be — is, am, are, was, were).
The linking verb connects the subject to the predicate noun.
Predicate nouns always refer back to the subject, giving it another name or identity.
Examples:
My brother is a doctor.
“Doctor” is a predicate noun that renames “brother.”
The winners were students.
“Students” renames “winners.”
That movie is a classic.
“Classic” is a predicate noun that renames “movie.”
Common Mistakes:
Predicate nouns follow linking verbs, not action verbs.
❌ She runs a teacher.
✅ She is a teacher.
Practice Together
Identify the predicate noun in each sentence:
My dog is a golden retriever.
The tallest student is the captain.
Those cookies are a family recipe.
Our neighbors are farmers.
The best time for a walk is evening.
Answer Key
- golden retriever
- captain
- family recipe
- farmers
- evening