Subject Complement Examples: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding subject complements is crucial for mastering sentence structure and writing clear, grammatically correct English. Subject complements provide essential information about the subject of a sentence, helping to define or describe it more fully.

This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking to grasp the basics to advanced students aiming to refine their understanding of complex sentence structures. By exploring definitions, examples, and practical exercises, you will gain a solid foundation in identifying and using subject complements effectively.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of Subject Complement
• Structural Breakdown
• Types of Subject Complements
  • Noun Complements
  • Pronoun Complements
  • Adjective Complements
  • Adverb Complements
  • Phrase Complements
  • Clause Complements
• Subject Complement Examples
  • Noun Complement Examples
  • Pronoun Complement Examples
  • Adjective Complement Examples
  • Phrase Complement Examples
  • Clause Complement Examples
• Usage Rules for Subject Complements
• Common Mistakes with Subject Complements
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of Subject Complement

A subject complement is a word or group of words that follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject of the sentence. Unlike direct objects, which receive the action of a verb, subject complements provide more information about the subject itself. They essentially complete the meaning of the linking verb by identifying or describing the subject. Subject complements are essential for creating complete and meaningful sentences, particularly when using linking verbs.

A subject complement can be a noun, pronoun, adjective, phrase, or clause. It answers the question “What?” or “Who?” about the subject after the linking verb.

For example, in the sentence “She is a doctor,” the word “doctor” is a subject complement because it identifies what “she” is. Similarly, in the sentence “The sky looks blue,” the word “blue” is a subject complement because it describes the color of the sky.

Linking verbs are verbs that connect the subject to the subject complement. Common linking verbs include forms of be (is, are, was, were, am, been, being), become, seem, appear, look, feel, taste, smell, and sound. These verbs do not express action; instead, they establish a relationship between the subject and its complement. Identifying linking verbs is crucial for correctly identifying subject complements.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure of a sentence with a subject complement is as follows:

Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement

Let’s break down each component:

• Subject: The noun or pronoun that the sentence is about.
• Linking Verb: A verb that connects the subject to the subject complement. It does not show action.
• Subject Complement: A word or group of words that renames or describes the subject.

Consider the sentence: “The flower is beautiful.”

• Subject: The flower
• Linking Verb: is
• Subject Complement: beautiful

In this example, “beautiful” describes the subject, “the flower.” It completes the meaning of the linking verb “is” by providing information about the flower’s appearance. This simple structure is fundamental to understanding how subject complements function within sentences.

Another example: “My brother became a teacher.”

• Subject: My brother
• Linking Verb: became
• Subject Complement: a teacher

Here, “a teacher” renames the subject, “My brother.” It tells us what his profession is after the action of the linking verb “became”. The linking verb establishes the connection between the subject and the subject complement.

Types of Subject Complements

Subject complements can take various forms, each serving a slightly different function in completing the meaning of the sentence. Understanding these different types is crucial for identifying and using them correctly.

Noun Complements

A noun complement is a noun or noun phrase that renames the subject of the sentence. It typically follows a linking verb and provides additional information about the subject’s identity or role.

Example: “John is a student.” Here, “a student” renames John.

Pronoun Complements

A pronoun complement is a pronoun that renames the subject. While less common than noun or adjective complements, they serve the same function of providing more information about the subject.

Example: “The winner is she.” Here, “she” renames the winner.

Adjective Complements

An adjective complement is an adjective or adjective phrase that describes the subject of the sentence. It provides information about the subject’s qualities, characteristics, or state of being.

Example: “The weather is sunny.” Here, “sunny” describes the weather.

Adverb Complements

While less common and often debated, adverbs can occasionally function as subject complements, typically indicating a state or condition. This usage is relatively rare and often considered less formal.

Example: “The meeting is here.” (though some consider ‘here’ an adverbial in this context)

Phrase Complements

A phrase complement is a group of words (without a subject and verb) that functions as a subject complement. This can include prepositional phrases, infinitive phrases, or gerund phrases.

Example: “Her dream is to become a doctor.” Here, “to become a doctor” is an infinitive phrase.

Clause Complements

A clause complement is a group of words containing a subject and verb that functions as a subject complement. These are typically noun clauses introduced by words like that, what, who, whether, or how.

Example: “The problem is that we are late.” Here, “that we are late” is a noun clause.

Subject Complement Examples

The following sections provide extensive examples of subject complements, categorized by type. Each table includes a variety of sentences to illustrate the different ways subject complements can be used.

Noun Complement Examples

The table below provides examples of noun complements, where a noun or noun phrase renames the subject of the sentence. These examples demonstrate how noun complements can clarify the subject’s identity, role, or profession.

Sentence	Subject	Linking Verb	Subject Complement (Noun)
My father is a lawyer.	My father	is	a lawyer
The capital of France is Paris.	The capital of France	is	Paris
That man is the president.	That man	is	the president
Her favorite sport is tennis.	Her favorite sport	is	tennis
Our team’s mascot is a lion.	Our team’s mascot	is	a lion
The solution is teamwork.	The solution	is	teamwork
His passion is photography.	His passion	is	photography
The main ingredient is sugar.	The main ingredient	is	sugar
The result was a victory.	The result	was	a victory
My favorite month is December.	My favorite month	is	December
She is a talented musician.	She	is	a talented musician
He became a successful entrepreneur.	He	became	a successful entrepreneur
They are experienced teachers.	They	are	experienced teachers
The movie was a complete disaster.	The movie	was	a complete disaster
The building is a historical landmark.	The building	is	a historical landmark
Her greatest achievement is her children.	Her greatest achievement	is	her children
The company’s goal is market dominance.	The company’s goal	is	market dominance
The dog is a golden retriever.	The dog	is	a golden retriever
Their car is a vintage convertible.	Their car	is	a vintage convertible
The project manager is Sarah.	The project manager	is	Sarah
The best policy is honesty.	The best policy	is	honesty
The purpose of the meeting is discussion.	The purpose of the meeting	is	discussion
The outcome was a compromise.	The outcome	was	a compromise
His job is a software engineer.	His job	is	a software engineer
Her ambition is a seat in parliament.	Her ambition	is	a seat in parliament
The answer is a resounding no.	The answer	is	a resounding no

Pronoun Complement Examples

The following table provides examples of pronoun complements, where a pronoun renames the subject. These are less common but grammatically correct ways to use subject complements.

Sentence	Subject	Linking Verb	Subject Complement (Pronoun)
The winner is she.	The winner	is	she
It is I who made the decision.	It	is	I
The culprit is he.	The culprit	is	he
The responsible party is they.	The responsible party	is	they
If I were you, the choice would be I.	The choice	would be	I
That must be him.	That	must be	him
It could have been her.	It	could have been	her
The author is probably her.	The author	is	her
The applicant is certainly him.	The applicant	is	him
The only one left is me.	The only one left	is	me
The last person to know was him.	The last person to know	was	him
The one who called was her.	The one who called	was	her
The next speaker will be him.	The next speaker	will be	him
The one in charge is her.	The one in charge	is	her
The new team leader is she.	The new team leader	is	she
The one who volunteered was him.	The one who volunteered	was	him
The person to ask is her.	The person to ask	is	her
The person in question is him.	The person in question	is	him
The real hero is you.	The real hero	is	you
The most important person is you.	The most important person	is	you

Adjective Complement Examples

The table below showcases adjective complements, where an adjective or adjective phrase describes the subject of the sentence. These examples demonstrate how adjective complements can provide information about the subject’s qualities, characteristics, or state of being.

Sentence	Subject	Linking Verb	Subject Complement (Adjective)
The sky is blue.	The sky	is	blue
The food tastes delicious.	The food	tastes	delicious
She seems happy.	She	seems	happy
The music sounds beautiful.	The music	sounds	beautiful
He became angry.	He	became	angry
The weather is cold.	The weather	is	cold
The room feels warm.	The room	feels	warm
The coffee smells strong.	The coffee	smells	strong
The book is interesting.	The book	is	interesting
They are tired.	They	are	tired
The situation is complicated.	The situation	is	complicated
The problem appears serious.	The problem	appears	serious
The answer seems correct.	The answer	seems	correct
The solution is simple.	The solution	is	simple
The task is difficult.	The task	is	difficult
The movie was boring.	The movie	was	boring
The experience was unforgettable.	The experience	was	unforgettable
The journey became arduous.	The journey	became	arduous
The news sounds promising.	The news	sounds	promising
The cake tastes sweet.	The cake	tastes	sweet
The flowers smell fragrant.	The flowers	smell	fragrant
The water feels refreshing.	The water	feels	refreshing
The music sounds soothing.	The music	sounds	soothing
The idea seems feasible.	The idea	seems	feasible
The plan is ambitious.	The plan	is	ambitious
The result was unexpected.	The result	was	unexpected
The performance was captivating.	The performance	was	captivating

Phrase Complement Examples

The table below presents examples of phrase complements, including prepositional phrases, infinitive phrases, and gerund phrases. These examples demonstrate how phrases can function as subject complements, providing more detailed information about the subject.

Sentence	Subject	Linking Verb	Subject Complement (Phrase)
Her goal is to finish the race.	Her goal	is	to finish the race (infinitive phrase)
The key is in the drawer.	The key	is	in the drawer (prepositional phrase)
My favorite activity is reading books.	My favorite activity	is	reading books (gerund phrase)
His ambition is to travel the world.	His ambition	is	to travel the world (infinitive phrase)
The problem is with the engine.	The problem	is	with the engine (prepositional phrase)
Her desire is for success.	Her desire	is	for success (prepositional phrase)
The plan is to improve efficiency.	The plan	is	to improve efficiency (infinitive phrase)
The issue is about time management.	The issue	is	about time management (prepositional phrase)
Her talent is for singing.	Her talent	is	for singing (prepositional phrase)
The aim is to reduce costs.	The aim	is	to reduce costs (infinitive phrase)
The secret is in the sauce.	The secret	is	in the sauce (prepositional phrase)
The challenge is overcoming fear.	The challenge	is	overcoming fear (gerund phrase)
His dream is to climb Mount Everest.	His dream	is	to climb Mount Everest (infinitive phrase)
The focus is on customer satisfaction.	The focus	is	on customer satisfaction (prepositional phrase)
The solution is finding a compromise.	The solution	is	finding a compromise (gerund phrase)
The opportunity is to learn new skills.	The opportunity	is	to learn new skills (infinitive phrase)
The difficulty is with the logistics.	The difficulty	is	with the logistics (prepositional phrase)
The purpose is to provide information.	The purpose	is	to provide information (infinitive phrase)
The emphasis is on teamwork.	The emphasis	is	on teamwork (prepositional phrase)
Her strength is in her determination.	Her strength	is	in her determination (prepositional phrase)
His passion is playing the guitar.	His passion	is	playing the guitar (gerund phrase)
The objective is to increase sales.	The objective	is	to increase sales (infinitive phrase)
The interest is in historical artifacts.	The interest	is	in historical artifacts (prepositional phrase)
The satisfaction is achieving the goal.	The satisfaction	is	achieving the goal (gerund phrase)
The aim is to create a better future.	The aim	is	to create a better future (infinitive phrase)

Clause Complement Examples

The table below provides examples of clause complements, where a noun clause functions as the subject complement. These clauses are typically introduced by words like that, what, who, whether, or how.

Sentence	Subject	Linking Verb	Subject Complement (Clause)
The problem is that we are late.	The problem	is	that we are late
The question is whether we can afford it.	The question	is	whether we can afford it
The issue is who will take responsibility.	The issue	is	who will take responsibility
The truth is that I don’t know.	The truth	is	that I don’t know
The point is what we should do next.	The point	is	what we should do next
The fact is that it’s over.	The fact	is	that it’s over
The concern is how we will manage.	The concern	is	how we will manage
The answer is that we must try harder.	The answer	is	that we must try harder
The difficulty is that resources are limited.	The difficulty	is	that resources are limited
The challenge is whether they will agree.	The challenge	is	whether they will agree
The mystery is who sent the letter.	The mystery	is	who sent the letter
The reality is that change is inevitable.	The reality	is	that change is inevitable
The bottom line is that we need funding.	The bottom line	is	that we need funding
The secret is how you manage your time.	The secret	is	how you manage your time
The important thing is that you tried.	The important thing	is	that you tried
The question remains whether it’s possible.	The question remains	is	whether it’s possible
The issue boils down to who is in charge.	The issue	boils down to	who is in charge
The truth of the matter is that he resigned.	The truth of the matter	is	that he resigned
The main point is that everyone benefits.	The main point	is	that everyone benefits
The key to success is that you never give up.	The key to success	is	that you never give up

Usage Rules for Subject Complements

Using subject complements correctly involves understanding the following rules:

• Linking Verbs: Always use a linking verb to connect the subject to the subject complement. Ensure the verb agrees with the subject in number (singular or plural).
• Agreement: The subject complement should agree in number with the subject when it is a noun or pronoun. For example, “They are teachers” (plural) vs. “He is a teacher” (singular).
• Clarity: Ensure the subject complement clearly renames or describes the subject. Avoid ambiguity or vagueness in your choice of words.
• Case: When using pronouns as subject complements, use the nominative case (e.g., I, he, she, we, they). While the objective case (e.g., me, him, her, us, them) is sometimes used informally, the nominative case is grammatically correct.

Exceptions:

• In some cases, the objective case of a pronoun is used colloquially, especially in spoken English. However, for formal writing, the nominative case is preferred.
• With certain linking verbs like “seem” or “appear,” it’s possible to use an infinitive phrase to express the subject complement, such as “He seems to be tired.”

Common Mistakes with Subject Complements

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using subject complements:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
She is looks happy.	She looks happy.	Using both “is” (a linking verb) and “looks” (another linking verb) is redundant.
The winner is him.	The winner is he.	Use the nominative case (“he”) for pronoun subject complements in formal writing.
They are teacher.	They are teachers.	The subject complement (“teachers”) should agree in number with the subject (“they”).
The food tastes deliciously.	The food tastes delicious.	Use an adjective (“delicious”) to describe the subject, not an adverb (“deliciously”).
It became be a problem.	It became a problem.	Avoid unnecessary use of the verb “be” after “became” or other linking verbs.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of subject complements with the following exercises. Identify the subject complement in each sentence and indicate its type (noun, pronoun, or adjective).

Exercise 1: Identify the Subject Complement

Question	Answer
1. The soup tastes salty.	salty (adjective)
2. My brother is an engineer.	an engineer (noun)
3. The winner is she.	she (pronoun)
4. The sky appears cloudy.	cloudy (adjective)
5. His dream is to travel.	to travel (phrase)
6. The problem is that we are out of time.	that we are out of time (clause)
7. The flowers smell fragrant.	fragrant (adjective)
8. The answer is teamwork.	teamwork (noun)
9. The best approach is to be honest.	to be honest (phrase)
10. Her concern is how to fix it.	how to fix it (clause)

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with Subject Complements

Complete the following sentences by filling in the blank with an appropriate subject complement.

Question	Answer
1. The weather is __________.	sunny/rainy/cold (adjective)
2. My favorite color is __________.	blue/green/red (noun)
3. She became __________.	a doctor/an artist/happy (noun/adjective)
4. The food tastes __________.	delicious/spicy/bland (adjective)
5. Their goal is __________.	success/to win/to improve (noun/phrase)
6. The problem is __________	that we are late/lack of funding/money (clause/noun phrase/noun)
7. The solution seems __________	easy/simple/obvious (adjective)
8. The winner will be __________	her/him/she/he (pronoun)
9. The best strategy is __________	to plan ahead/careful planning/planning (phrase/noun phrase/noun)
10. The task is __________	difficult/challenging/complex (adjective)

Exercise 3: Correct the Errors

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to subject complements.

Question	Answer
1. The winner is him.	The winner is he.
2. She looks happily.	She looks happy.
3. They are student.	They are students.
4. The movie became be boring.	The movie became boring.
5. The food tastes deliciously.	The food tastes delicious.
6. It is I who am responsible.	It is I who am responsible. (No change, sentence is correct.)
7. This is seems a good idea.	This seems a good idea.
8. The answer is being patient.	The answer is patience. / The answer is to be patient.
9. The new plan is seems promising.	The new plan seems promising.
10. The result was be a surprise.	The result was a surprise.

Advanced Topics

For those looking to deepen their understanding of subject complements, consider these advanced topics:

• Complex Sentences: Subject complements can appear in complex sentences with multiple clauses. Identifying the main clause and its subject complement is crucial.
• Inverted Sentences: Inverted sentence structures can sometimes obscure the subject and subject complement. Practice identifying the subject even when it follows the verb.
• Elliptical Constructions: In elliptical constructions, parts of the sentence are omitted but understood. Recognizing the implied subject and linking verb is important for identifying the subject complement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the use of subject complements is an essential step in improving your English grammar and writing skills. By understanding the definition, types, and usage rules of subject complements, you can construct clearer, more informative sentences.

Pay attention to linking verbs, agreement, and case to avoid common mistakes. With practice and careful attention to detail, you can confidently use subject complements to enhance your communication.