Let’s go step by step to figure out whether each highlighted word is a
predicate noun or a
predicate adjective.
Quick reminder:
- A
predicate adjective describes the subject — it tells us *what kind* or *how* the subject is. It follows a linking verb (like “is,” “was,” “smells,” “sounds,” “became,” “appeared”).
- A
predicate noun renames or identifies the subject — it tells us *who* or *what* the subject is. It also follows a linking verb.
Linking verbs include:
→ be (am, is, are, was, were)
→ seem, appear, become, feel, look, smell, sound, taste
Now let’s check each sentence:
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1) The math assignment was difficult.
→ “difficult” describes the assignment → it’s an adjective →
predicate adjective
2) My father is a teacher.
→ “teacher” names what my father is → it’s a noun →
predicate noun
3) The food smells delicious.
→ “delicious” describes how the food smells → adjective →
predicate adjective
4) The song sounds soothing.
→ “soothing” describes how the song sounds → adjective →
predicate adjective
5) Kevin finally became a lawyer.
→ “lawyer” names what Kevin became → noun →
predicate noun
6) Patrick is a musician.
→ “musician” names who Patrick is → noun →
predicate noun
7) The two houses appeared identical.
→ “identical” describes how the houses appeared → adjective →
predicate adjective
8) My brother is a mathematician.
→ “mathematician” names who my brother is → noun →
predicate noun
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Final Answer:
1) Predicate adjective
2) Predicate noun
3) Predicate adjective
4) Predicate adjective
5) Predicate noun
6) Predicate noun
7) Predicate adjective
8) Predicate noun
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of predicate nouns and predicate adjectives worksheet.