Which term describes the broad category that includes both a predicate adjective and a predicate nominative?

• A. Predicate nominative
• B. Predicate adjective
• C. Independent clause
• D. Subject complements

Answer: (D)

Subject complements describe or rename the subject and come after a linking verb. A predicate adjective is an adjective that describes the subject, as in “The soup tastes delicious,” where “delicious” describes the subject. A predicate nominative (or predicate noun) renames the subject, as in “The winner is Mary,” where “Mary” renames the subject. Both of these form a single, broad group because they complete the meaning of the subject rather than forming a separate action. They rely on a linking verb like is, seems, becomes, or appears to connect the subject to the complement. An independent clause, on the other hand, is a complete sentence that can stand alone, which is why it isn’t the right broader category here. So the broad category that includes both a predicate adjective and a predicate nominative is subject complements.