Predicate Noun
The predicate noun is alignedwith a certain class of verbs called linking verbs. It usually comes after the linking verb, and it is equivalent to the subject. That is, it is the same "thing" as the subject.
The man on the phone was a leatherneck from World War II.
["man" and "leatherneck" are equivalent]
Here is a list of linking verbs.
is | are | were | had been |
am | was | have been | will be |
Note: all the above are forms of the verb "to be"
become | appear | taste | prove |
grow | look | remain | |
seem | feel | sound | |
Note: although these are linking verbs, very few use predicate nouns; however, there are a few exceptions.
John Wayne remained a friend Richard Simmons even though they disagreed about a man's place in the kitchen.
Notice that "John Wayne" and "friend" are equivalent.