Predicative

Relating to or functioning as a predicate. In grammar, a predicative element is a word or group of words that attributes a property or state to the subject of a sentence. This element usually includes a verb, but it can also include adjectives, nouns, or phrases that describe the subject. The predicative element serves the fundamental purpose of conveying what the subject *is* or *does* or *is being*. Understanding the predicative function is crucial for comprehending sentence structure and meaning.

Predicative meaning with examples

• In the sentence 'The sky is blue,' the word 'blue' functions as a predicative adjective, describing the subject 'sky'. It's essential to recognise that 'blue' is not just an adjective; it *predicates* a quality of the sky, making a statement about its color. This predicative use highlights a core function of adjectives.
• Consider 'He is a doctor'. Here, 'a doctor' is a predicative noun, identifying the subject, 'He.' The function shows how nouns can act predicatively, stating the identity or role of the subject, this exemplifies a predicative noun is an important component to conveying meaning in a sentence.
• The phrase 'running quickly' is a predicative element in 'She is running quickly.' 'Running quickly' describes what the subject, 'She', is *doing*. The predicative phrase provides information about the verb of the sentence, thus contributing to the overall meaning and is an example of how different grammatical structures can act predicatively.
• The verb 'became' in the sentence 'The caterpillar became a butterfly' is a predicative verb because it links the subject 'caterpillar' to the state of 'a butterfly'. The verb forms a connection, showing how verbs can be a core element of the predicative function as this is a key example.