free predicativefree predicative (fritt predikativ): a nominal or adjectival clause element that like a subject predicative specifies a property of the subject referent, but unlike the subject predicative is not linked to the subject by means of a copular verb. A free predicative can usually be moved about the sentence. E.g. Timid and shy, he kept in the background. They entered the house slowly, afraid of what they might find. A free predicative is always optional in the clause structure. |
