Understanding the difference between complements and adjuncts is crucial for mastering English grammar and constructing clear, grammatically correct sentences. Complements are essential parts of a sentence that complete the meaning of a verb or other word, while adjuncts provide additional, non-essential information.
Confusing these two can lead to awkward or incorrect phrasing. This article provides a comprehensive guide to complements and adjuncts, suitable for English language learners of all levels who want to improve their understanding of sentence structure.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Complements and Adjuncts
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Complements and Adjuncts
Complements and adjuncts are both elements that add information to a sentence, but they differ significantly in their roles. Understanding this difference is critical for accurate sentence construction and interpretation.
Complements
A complement is a word or group of words that is required to complete the meaning of a verb, noun, or adjective. It provides essential information about the subject or object of the sentence. Without the complement, the sentence would be incomplete or grammatically incorrect. Complements are closely linked to the verb and are often dictated by the verb’s specific requirements. Think of them as mandatory pieces of the puzzle that make the sentence whole.
Complements are typically noun phrases, adjective phrases, or prepositional phrases. They can function as subject complements (renaming or describing the subject) or object complements (renaming or describing the object).
Identifying complements involves understanding the verb’s valency, which refers to the number and type of arguments (complements) a verb requires.
Adjuncts
An adjunct is a word or group of words that provides additional, non-essential information about a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It adds detail to the sentence but is not required for the sentence to be grammatically complete or meaningful. Adjuncts are optional elements that can be removed without affecting the core meaning of the sentence. These elements often answer questions like when, where, why, or how.
Adjuncts are typically adverbial phrases or prepositional phrases. They modify the verb by providing information about time, place, manner, or reason.
Unlike complements, adjuncts are not selected by the verb; they are freely added to provide extra context. Identifying adjuncts involves recognizing their optional nature and their ability to be moved within the sentence without changing its fundamental meaning.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structural differences between complements and adjuncts is key to identifying them correctly within sentences. Complements have a closer, more integral relationship with the verb, while adjuncts are more loosely connected.
Complement Structures
Complements are directly linked to the verb’s meaning and grammatical structure. The verb dictates the type of complement that is required.
For example, a linking verb like “be” requires a subject complement to describe or identify the subject. A transitive verb requires a direct object to receive the action.
Some verbs also require indirect objects or object complements.
The structural patterns involving complements are relatively fixed. Removing or altering a complement can render the sentence ungrammatical or nonsensical.
The position of the complement is also often determined by the verb’s requirements. In English, complements typically follow the verb, although there can be variations depending on the sentence structure and type of complement.
Adjunct Structures
Adjuncts are more flexible in their placement within a sentence. They can often be moved around without significantly altering the sentence’s meaning.
This mobility is a key characteristic that distinguishes adjuncts from complements. Adjuncts typically appear as adverbial phrases or prepositional phrases modifying the verb or the entire sentence.
The structure of adjuncts is less constrained by the verb’s requirements. They can be added to provide extra detail or context without being dictated by the verb’s valency.
Adjuncts can modify various elements within the sentence, including verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, adding layers of meaning and detail to the core message.
Types and Categories
Complements and adjuncts can be further categorized based on their function and the type of information they provide. Understanding these categories can help in accurately identifying and using them in sentences.
Subject Complements
A subject complement follows a linking verb (such as be, become, seem, appear) and describes or renames the subject of the sentence. It provides information about the subject’s identity, characteristics, or state of being. Subject complements can be nouns, pronouns, or adjectives.
For example, in the sentence “She is a doctor,” “a doctor” is a subject complement that identifies the subject “she.” In the sentence “He seems happy,” “happy” is a subject complement that describes the subject “he.” Subject complements are essential for completing the meaning of linking verbs and providing information about the subject.
Object Complements
An object complement follows a direct object and describes or renames it. It provides additional information about the object, often indicating a state, condition, or identity. Object complements are typically used with verbs like make, consider, find, elect, and call.
For example, in the sentence “They elected him president,” “president” is an object complement that renames the direct object “him.” In the sentence “She considers him intelligent,” “intelligent” is an object complement that describes the direct object “him.” Object complements clarify the state or identity of the object, adding depth to the sentence’s meaning.
Adverbial Adjuncts
Adverbial adjuncts modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about time, place, manner, reason, or purpose. They add detail and context to the sentence but are not essential for its grammatical completeness. Adverbial adjuncts can be single words, phrases, or clauses.
Examples of adverbial adjuncts include: “He runs quickly” (manner), “She arrived yesterday” (time), “They live in London” (place), “We study to learn” (purpose), and “Because it was raining, we stayed inside” (reason). Adverbial adjuncts enhance the sentence by providing extra information and are often movable within the sentence.
Conjuncts
Conjuncts are a type of adjunct that connect and relate two independent clauses or sentences. They indicate the relationship between the ideas expressed in the clauses, such as contrast, addition, or consequence. Conjuncts provide coherence and logical flow to the text.
Common examples of conjuncts include: however, therefore, moreover, furthermore, consequently, nevertheless. For instance, “It was raining; therefore, we stayed inside.” Here, “therefore” connects the two clauses and indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. Conjuncts help to create cohesive and well-structured writing.
Disjuncts
Disjuncts are a type of adjunct that expresses the speaker’s attitude or opinion about the content of the sentence. They provide a comment on the truth, validity, or relevance of the information being conveyed. Disjuncts add a subjective element to the sentence.
Examples of disjuncts include: honestly, frankly, certainly, undoubtedly, surprisingly, fortunately. For example, “Frankly, I don’t agree with you.” Here, “frankly” indicates the speaker’s candidness. In the sentence “Fortunately, we arrived on time,” “fortunately” expresses the speaker’s relief. Disjuncts add a layer of personal perspective to the sentence.
Examples
The following examples illustrate the different types of complements and adjuncts in various sentence structures. These examples are categorized to provide a clear understanding of their usage and function.
Subject Complement Examples
The table below provides examples of sentences containing subject complements, highlighting the subject, linking verb, and subject complement.
| Sentence | Subject | Linking Verb | Subject Complement |
|---|---|---|---|
| She is a teacher. | She | is | a teacher |
| He seems tired. | He | seems | tired |
| The food tastes delicious. | The food | tastes | delicious |
| They became doctors. | They | became | doctors |
| It appears difficult. | It | appears | difficult |
| The sky turned gray. | The sky | turned | gray |
| My dream is to travel the world. | My dream | is | to travel the world |
| That sounds interesting. | That | sounds | interesting |
| The music felt soothing. | The music | felt | soothing |
| Her explanation was confusing. | Her explanation | was | confusing |
| The situation remains tense. | The situation | remains | tense |
| He looks happy. | He | looks | happy |
| The answer is correct. | The answer | is | correct |
| She became the CEO. | She | became | the CEO |
| The weather is beautiful. | The weather | is | beautiful |
| They seem excited. | They | seem | excited |
| The result was unexpected. | The result | was | unexpected |
| It sounds complicated. | It | sounds | complicated |
| Her voice is melodious. | Her voice | is | melodious |
| The project seems successful. | The project | seems | successful |
| His argument is convincing. | His argument | is | convincing |
| The movie was amazing. | The movie | was | amazing |
| She is a talented artist. | She | is | a talented artist |
| He became a successful entrepreneur. | He | became | a successful entrepreneur |
| The cake tastes sweet. | The cake | tastes | sweet |
In each of these sentences, the subject complement provides essential information about the subject, completing the meaning of the linking verb.
Object Complement Examples
The table below provides examples of sentences containing object complements, highlighting the verb, direct object, and object complement.
| Sentence | Verb | Direct Object | Object Complement |
|---|---|---|---|
| They elected him president. | elected | him | president |
| She considers him intelligent. | considers | him | intelligent |
| We made her captain. | made | her | captain |
| They found the movie boring. | found | the movie | boring |
| He called his dog Lucky. | called | his dog | Lucky |
| The jury found him guilty. | found | him | guilty |
| She painted the wall blue. | painted | the wall | blue |
| We consider her a genius. | consider | her | a genius |
| They appointed him chairman. | appointed | him | chairman |
| She declared the meeting open. | declared | the meeting | open |
| He regards her highly. | regards | her | highly |
| They named the ship Adventure. | named | the ship | Adventure |
| We deemed the project successful. | deemed | the project | successful |
| She labeled the file confidential. | labeled | the file | confidential |
| He described the event memorable. | described | the event | memorable |
| They judged the performance outstanding. | judged | the performance | outstanding |
| We imagined the future bright. | imagined | the future | bright |
| She proclaimed the victory decisive. | proclaimed | the victory | decisive |
| He perceived the situation dangerous. | perceived | the situation | dangerous |
| They considered the task impossible. | considered | the task | impossible |
| We found the book captivating. | found | the book | captivating |
| She called the design innovative. | called | the design | innovative |
| He thought the idea brilliant. | thought | the idea | brilliant |
| They declared the competition closed. | declared | the competition | closed |
| We considered the proposal acceptable. | considered | the proposal | acceptable |
In each of these sentences, the object complement provides additional information about the direct object, clarifying its state or identity.
Adverbial Adjuncts Examples
The table below provides examples of sentences containing adverbial adjuncts, categorized by the type of information they provide.
| Sentence | Adjunct | Type |
|---|---|---|
| He runs quickly. | quickly | Manner |
| She arrived yesterday. | yesterday | Time |
| They live in London. | in London | Place |
| We study to learn. | to learn | Purpose |
| Because it was raining, we stayed inside. | Because it was raining | Reason |
| He spoke confidently. | confidently | Manner |
| She will leave tomorrow. | tomorrow | Time |
| They met at the park. | at the park | Place |
| I exercise for health. | for health | Purpose |
| Since he was late, he missed the bus. | Since he was late | Reason |
| She sings beautifully. | beautifully | Manner |
| He will call later. | later | Time |
| They work in the office. | in the office | Place |
| We eat to live. | to live | Purpose |
| As it was cold, we wore coats. | As it was cold | Reason |
| He writes neatly. | neatly | Manner |
| She will visit soon. | soon | Time |
| They play in the garden. | in the garden | Place |
| I study for exams. | for exams | Purpose |
| Because she tried hard, she succeeded. | Because she tried hard | Reason |
| He dances gracefully. | gracefully | Manner |
| She will return next week. | next week | Time |
| They hike in the mountains. | in the mountains | Place |
| We travel to explore. | to explore | Purpose |
| Since it was a holiday, we relaxed. | Since it was a holiday | Reason |
These examples demonstrate how adverbial adjuncts add detail and context to sentences without being essential for their grammatical completeness.
Usage Rules
Understanding the usage rules for complements and adjuncts is essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. These rules govern their placement, function, and relationship with other sentence elements.
Complements must be present for the sentence to be complete, based on the verb’s requirements. They directly follow the verb or linking verb. Their type (noun, adjective, etc.) is determined by the verb. Adjuncts are optional and can be moved around in the sentence. They provide additional information and are not dictated by the verb’s valency.
It is important to distinguish between complements and adjuncts by analyzing the verb’s requirements and the essential nature of the information provided. If removing the element changes the fundamental meaning or grammatical correctness of the sentence, it is likely a complement.
If the sentence remains complete and meaningful without the element, it is likely an adjunct.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is confusing subject complements with adverbs. For example:
- Incorrect: He seems *angrily*.
- Correct: He seems angry.
Another common error is omitting necessary complements, resulting in incomplete sentences. For example:
- Incorrect: She is.
- Correct: She is a student.
Misplacing adjuncts can also lead to confusion. While adjuncts are movable, placing them awkwardly can disrupt the sentence’s flow or meaning.
For example:
- Awkward: He ate, quickly, his lunch.
- Correct: He quickly ate his lunch.
The table below provides more examples of common mistakes and their corrections.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The movie was bored. | The movie was boring. | Using the correct adjective form for the subject complement. |
| She considers him. | She considers him intelligent. | Adding the necessary object complement. |
| They live, happily, in Paris. | They happily live in Paris. | Placing the adjunct in a more natural position. |
| He is a doctor hardly. | He is hardly a doctor. | Positioning the adverb correctly. |
| She seems sadly. | She seems sad. | Using the correct adjective form for a subject complement. |
| We made her. | We made her the leader. | Adding the necessary object complement. |
| I will go, maybe, to the store. | Maybe I will go to the store. | Placing the adjunct for better flow. |
| He is teacher. | He is a teacher. | Adding the indefinite article. |
| They found the book interested. | They found the book interesting. | Using the correct adjective form. |
| She arrived, late always. | She always arrived late. | Correcting the adjunct placement. |
By understanding these common mistakes and their corrections, learners can improve their accuracy in using complements and adjuncts.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of complements and adjuncts with the following exercises. Identify the complements and adjuncts in each sentence and indicate their type.
Exercise 1: Identify the Complements
| Sentence | Complement | Type |
|---|---|---|
| She is a nurse. | ||
| He seems tired after the game. | ||
| They elected her president. | ||
| The food tastes delicious. | ||
| We consider him a genius. | ||
| The sky became dark. | ||
| She made the cake moist. | ||
| He is happy today. | ||
| They appointed him treasurer. | ||
| The situation remained tense. |
Exercise 2: Identify the Adjuncts
| Sentence | Adjunct | Type |
|---|---|---|
| He runs quickly in the morning. | ||
| She arrived yesterday at the station. | ||
| They live in London permanently. | ||
| We study to learn effectively. | ||
| Because it was raining, we stayed inside. | ||
| He spoke confidently at the meeting. | ||
| She will leave tomorrow for Paris. | ||
| They met at the park accidentally. | ||
| I exercise for health regularly. | ||
| Since he was late, he missed the bus. |
Exercise 3: Identify Complements and Adjuncts
| Sentence | Complement | Adjunct |
|---|---|---|
| She is a doctor in the hospital. | ||
| He seems tired after the game yesterday. | ||
| They elected her president last year. | ||
| The food tastes delicious always. | ||
| We consider him a genius because of his work. | ||
| The sky became dark suddenly. | ||
| She made the cake moist yesterday afternoon. | ||
| He is happy today at work. | ||
| They appointed him treasurer recently. | ||
| The situation remained tense throughout the meeting. |
Answer Key:
Exercise 1:
| Sentence | Complement | Type |
|---|---|---|
| She is a nurse. | a nurse | Subject Complement |
| He seems tired after the game. | tired | Subject Complement |
| They elected her president. | president | Object Complement |
| The food tastes delicious. | delicious | Subject Complement |
| We consider him a genius. | a genius | Object Complement |
| The sky became dark. | dark | Subject Complement |
| She made the cake moist. | moist | Object Complement |
| He is happy today. | happy | Subject Complement |
| They appointed him treasurer. | treasurer | Object Complement |
| The situation remained tense. | tense | Subject Complement |
Exercise 2:
| Sentence | Adjunct | Type |
|---|---|---|
| He runs quickly in the morning. | quickly, in the morning | Manner, Time |
| She arrived yesterday at the station. | yesterday, at the station | Time, Place |
| They live in London permanently. | in London, permanently | Place, Manner |
| We study to learn effectively. | to learn, effectively | Purpose, Manner |
| Because it was raining, we stayed inside. | Because it was raining | Reason |
| He spoke confidently at the meeting. | confidently, at the meeting | Manner, Place |
| She will leave tomorrow for Paris. | tomorrow, for Paris | Time, Place |
| They met at the park accidentally. | at the park, accidentally | Place, Manner |
| I exercise for health regularly. | for health, regularly | Purpose, Manner |
| Since he was late, he missed the bus. | Since he was late | Reason |
Exercise 3:
| Sentence | Complement | Adjunct |
|---|---|---|
| She is a doctor in the hospital. | a doctor | in the hospital |
| He seems tired after the game yesterday. | tired | after the game, yesterday |
| They elected her president last year. | president | last year |
| The food tastes delicious always. | delicious | always |
| We consider him a genius because of his work. | a genius | because of his work |
| The sky became dark suddenly. | dark | suddenly |
| She made the cake moist yesterday afternoon. | moist | yesterday afternoon |
| He is happy today at work. | happy | today, at work |
| They appointed him treasurer recently. | treasurer | recently |
| The situation remained tense throughout the meeting. | tense | throughout the meeting |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of complementation and adjuncts can involve exploring more complex sentence structures and grammatical theories. This includes delving into the intricacies of verb valency, exploring different types of clauses functioning as complements or adjuncts, and analyzing the role of these elements in discourse coherence.
Further study might involve examining the distinction between arguments and adjuncts in syntactic theory, analyzing the semantic roles played by different types of complements and adjuncts, and investigating the cross-linguistic variations in complementation and adjunct usage. Understanding these advanced topics can provide a deeper appreciation for the complexities of English grammar and enhance one’s ability to analyze and construct sophisticated sentences.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about complements and adjuncts:
- What is the main difference between a complement and an adjunct?
A complement is essential for completing the meaning of a verb or other word, while an adjunct provides additional, non-essential information. Removing a complement can make the sentence incomplete or grammatically incorrect, whereas removing an adjunct does not affect the core meaning of the sentence.
- How can I identify a subject complement?
A subject complement follows a linking verb (such as be, seem, become) and describes or renames the subject of the sentence. It provides information about the subject’s identity, characteristics, or state of being.
- What are some common linking verbs?
Common linking verbs include be (is, am, are, was, were), seem, appear, become, taste, smell, sound, feel, look, get, grow, remain, stay, turn, prove. These verbs connect the subject to the subject complement.
- How do I identify an object complement?
An object complement follows a direct object and describes or renames it. It is typically used with verbs like make, consider, find, elect, and call. The object complement clarifies the state or identity of the object.
- Can an adjunct be a clause?
Yes, an adjunct can be a clause. These are often adverbial clauses that provide information about time, reason, condition, or contrast. For example, “Because it was raining, we stayed inside.”
- Is it always easy to distinguish between
complements and adjuncts?
No, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between complements and adjuncts, especially in complex sentences. Analyzing the verb’s requirements and the essential nature of the information provided is crucial. Consider whether removing the element changes the fundamental meaning or grammatical correctness of the sentence. Consulting grammar resources and practicing sentence analysis can also help.
- What role do prepositions play in complements and adjuncts?
Prepositions often introduce phrases that function as complements or adjuncts. Prepositional phrases can act as adverbial adjuncts, providing information about time, place, or manner. They can also be part of complement structures, such as prepositional complements that are required by certain verbs or nouns.
- Can a single word function as both a complement and an adjunct?
No, a single word typically functions as either a complement or an adjunct based on its role in the sentence. A complement is essential and dictated by the verb, while an adjunct is optional and adds extra information. The distinction depends on the sentence structure and the verb’s requirements.
- How do complements and adjuncts affect sentence meaning?
Complements are crucial for completing the core meaning of a sentence, providing essential information about the subject or object. Adjuncts enhance the sentence by adding detail and context, such as information about time, place, manner, or reason. Both elements contribute to the overall clarity and richness of the sentence.
- Are complements and adjuncts universal across all languages?
While the concepts of complements and adjuncts exist in many languages, their specific forms and functions can vary. Different languages may have different rules for verb valency, complementation, and adjunct usage. Studying these variations can provide insights into the diverse ways languages structure and convey meaning.
Conclusion
Mastering the distinction between complements and adjuncts is a fundamental step in achieving proficiency in English grammar. Complements are essential elements that complete the meaning of a verb or other word, while adjuncts are optional elements that provide additional information.
Understanding their roles, types, and usage rules enables you to construct clear, grammatically correct, and meaningful sentences.
By practicing sentence analysis, identifying common mistakes, and exploring advanced topics, you can deepen your understanding of these concepts and enhance your ability to communicate effectively. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or simply an enthusiast of the English language, a solid grasp of complements and adjuncts will undoubtedly elevate your language skills and empower you to express your ideas with precision and clarity.