predikativt

Predikativt is a term used in Swedish grammar to describe a predicative complement—the part of the predicate that provides information about the subject after a linking verb. The predicative element can be an adjective, a noun, or a phrase, and it completes the meaning of the sentence by identifying or describing the subject.

Predikativt forms contrast with attributive modifiers, which directly modify a noun (for example en röd bil, a red car). Predikativt elements appear after a copula or linking verb, such as vara (to be), bli (to become), or verkar (to seem), and they express property, identity, or state rather than a modification of a noun.

Predikativt adjektiv: adjectives in predicative position. Examples include Bilen är röd (The car is red) and Huset är stort (The house is big). In predicative position, adjectives generally reflect the subject’s number, and often gender, with the form changing in plural or neuter singular as needed (for example, säger man att huset är nytt, The house is new).

Predikativt substantiv: nouns in predicative position. Examples include Hon blev läkare (She became a doctor) and Det blev en överraskning (It became a surprise). The noun serves to classify or identify the subject.

Usage notes: Predikativt complements are common after verbs like vara, bli, verka, tyckas, and ibland känna sig. The choice between predicative adjectives and predicative nouns depends on meaning and predicate verb, and article use can vary (e.g., Hon blev läkare vs. Hon blev en läkare).

Cross-linguistically, predicative complements function similarly in many languages, including English (The sky is blue; She became a doctor), though terminology and inflection patterns differ.