Which term refers to the words that follow a linking verb and identify or describe the subject?

• A. Predicate adjective
• B. Predicate nominative
• C. Subject complements
• D. Prepositional phrase

Answer: (C)

Subject complements are the words that follow a linking verb and identify or describe the subject. A linking verb connects the subject to more information about it rather than showing action. The information after the linking verb can be a noun or pronoun that renames the subject (predicate nominative) or an adjective that describes the subject (predicate adjective). Since both of these options fall under the same idea—completing the subject’s meaning after a linking verb—the broad term that covers them is subject complements. That’s why this choice is the best match.

For example, in "The sky is blue," blue is a predicate adjective describing the subject. In "The winner is Maria," Maria is a predicate nominative renaming the subject. A prepositional phrase, by contrast, would not complete the subject in this way and doesn’t serve as a subject complement.