Not everything that follows a linking verb is a predicate nominative. Remember, a predicate nominative is a noun (or a pronoun) that renames the subject. Let's take a closer look at linking verbs. The linking verbs include the following:
The verb to be (in its various forms, e.g., am, are, is, was, were, will be, has been, have been).
The "sense" verbs (e.g., to feel, to look, to smell, to taste, to sound).
The "status" verbs (e.g., to appear, to become, to continue, to grow, to seem, to turn).
You will notice that lots of these linking verbs will typically be followed by adjectives that describe the subject. For example:
John is brilliant.
(The adjective brilliant is a predicate adjective not a predicate nominative. Of note, predicate adjectives and predicate nominatives are classified as subject complements, but they are not the same.)
It feels great.
(The adjective great is a predicate adjective not a predicate nominative.)
Now compare these two examples:
The sea is dangerous.
(The adjective dangerous is a predicate adjective not a predicate nominative.)
The sea isa danger.
(The noun a danger is a predicate nominative.)
What Is a Compound Predicate Nominative?
A predicate nominative can be made up of more than one noun. In other words, it can be a compound. For example:
The new law isan opportunity and a risk.
(An opportunity and a risk is a compound predicate nominative.)
I will beyour employer, your friend, and your uncle.
(Your employer, your friend, and your uncle is a compound predicate nominative.)
A Quick Test
This test has questions.
You will score at least 5 points for a correct answer.
You will score bonus points for answering the questions quickly.
A predicate nominative is always a noun or a pronoun.
