What is the Difference Between Predicate Nominative and Direct Object?

The main difference between a predicate nominative and a direct object lies in their function and the type of verb they follow in a sentence. Here are the key distinctions:

• Predicate Nominative: This follows a linking verb (e.g., "is," "are," "was," "were," "am," "be," "seems," "feels," etc.) and renames or explains the subject of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "He is the king," "king" is the predicate nominative, as it renames and provides more information about the subject "He".
• Direct Object: This follows a transitive verb (i.e., an action verb that can take an object) and represents the receiver of the action caused by the subject. In the sentence "Maria threw the ball," "the ball" is the direct object, as it receives the action of "threw" made by "Maria".

In summary, a predicate nominative renames or explains the subject and follows a linking verb, while a direct object receives the action of a transitive verb and follows an action verb.

Comparative Table: Predicate Nominative vs Direct Object

The key difference between a predicate nominative and a direct object lies in their function within a sentence. Here is a comparison of the two:

For example, in the sentence "She is a teacher," "a teacher" is the predicate nominative, as it renames and explains the subject "She." In the sentence "Maria threw the ball," "the ball" is the direct object, as it receives the action of the verb "threw".