Usually we put an adjective right before a noun to modify that noun. A predicate adjective is different. A predicate adjective is an adjective that comes after a linking verb and modifies the subject of the sentence.
A linking verb is a verb that has no action but instead connects the subject to the predicate adjective. These words are linking verbs: is, was, are, am, were, seems, appears, feels, smells
Look at these sentences with a linking verb and a predicate adjective after the verb.
Mary is pretty. The adjective pretty modifies the noun Mary.
Jim is smart. The adjective smart modifies the noun Jim.
Sarah was excited. The adjective excited modifies the noun Sarah.
Here are more examples of sentences with a predicate adjective:
The dinner smells good. The adjective good tells more about the noun dinner.
My mom seems tired. The adjective tired tells more about mom.
Tom and Susan were late to school. The adjective late tells more about Tom and Susan.
I feel happy today. The adjective happy tells more about I.
A predicate adjective follows a linking verb and modifies a noun that is the subject of the sentence.
▶It’s your turn. Find the predicate adjective in this sentence: John was sad when his kite blew away. Did you find the adjective that tells more about John? Good for you!