Understanding the nuances of subject complements and object complements is crucial for mastering English grammar. These elements provide additional information about the subject or object of a sentence, enriching its meaning and clarity.
This article delves into the definitions, structures, and usage of these complements, providing numerous examples and exercises to solidify your understanding. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply an English enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently identify and use subject and object complements in your writing and speech.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Subject and Object Complements
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Subject and Object Complements
Complements are words, phrases, or clauses that complete the meaning of a verb. They provide essential information about the subject or object in a sentence.
Understanding the difference between subject and object complements is vital for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences.
Subject Complement
A subject complement is a word or group of words that follows a linking verb and describes or identifies the subject of the sentence. Linking verbs connect the subject to the subject complement, indicating a state of being or a characteristic. Common linking verbs include be (is, am, are, was, were, being, been), become, seem, appear, look, feel, sound, smell, and taste. The subject complement renames or describes the subject.
Subject complements can be nouns, pronouns, or adjectives. They provide essential information about the subject, clarifying its identity or characteristics.
Without the subject complement, the sentence would be incomplete or lack crucial meaning.
Object Complement
An object complement is a word or group of words that follows a direct object and describes or identifies it. Object complements are typically found in sentences with verbs that express actions of making, naming, thinking, or considering. These verbs require both a direct object and an object complement to fully convey their meaning. Common verbs used with object complements include make, consider, find, name, elect, think, and call.
Object complements can be nouns or adjectives. They provide additional information about the direct object, indicating a quality, state, or identity that results from the action of the verb.
The object complement completes the meaning of the verb by describing the direct object after the action has been performed.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structure of sentences with subject and object complements is essential for accurate identification and usage. The following sections break down the typical sentence patterns for each type of complement.
Subject Complement Structure
The basic structure of a sentence with a subject complement is: Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement. The subject complement can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective. The linking verb acts as a bridge, connecting the subject to its complement.
For example, in the sentence “She is a doctor,” “She” is the subject, “is” is the linking verb, and “a doctor” is the subject complement (a noun) that identifies her profession. Similarly, in the sentence “The soup tastes delicious,” “The soup” is the subject, “tastes” is the linking verb, and “delicious” is the subject complement (an adjective) that describes the soup.
Object Complement Structure
The basic structure of a sentence with an object complement is: Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Object Complement. The object complement can be a noun or an adjective. The verb typically expresses an action of making, naming, thinking, or considering.
For example, in the sentence “They elected him president,” “They” is the subject, “elected” is the verb, “him” is the direct object, and “president” is the object complement (a noun) that identifies his new role. In the sentence “We consider her intelligent,” “We” is the subject, “consider” is the verb, “her” is the direct object, and “intelligent” is the object complement (an adjective) that describes her.
Types and Categories
Subject and object complements can be further categorized based on their grammatical form. Understanding these categories helps in identifying and using complements correctly.
Types of Subject Complements
Subject complements can be nouns, pronouns, or adjectives:
- Noun: Renames the subject. Example: “He is a teacher.”
- Pronoun: Renames the subject. Example: “The winner is she.”
- Adjective: Describes the subject. Example: “The sky is blue.”
Furthermore, noun and pronoun subject complements are also known as predicate nominatives, while adjective subject complements are known as predicate adjectives.
Types of Object Complements
Object complements can be nouns or adjectives:
- Noun: Renames the direct object. Example: “They named the dog Buddy.”
- Adjective: Describes the direct object. Example: “She painted the door red.”
Examples
The following tables provide extensive examples of subject and object complements to illustrate their usage in different contexts.
Subject Complement Examples
This table showcases sentences with subject complements, highlighting the subject, linking verb, and subject complement. Notice how the subject complement renames or describes the subject.
| Sentence | Subject | Linking Verb | Subject Complement | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| She is a doctor. | She | is | a doctor | Noun |
| The winner is she. | The winner | is | she | Pronoun |
| The sky is blue. | The sky | is | blue | Adjective |
| He seems happy. | He | seems | happy | Adjective |
| They are students. | They | are | students | Noun |
| It was he. | It | was | he | Pronoun |
| The food tastes delicious. | The food | tastes | delicious | Adjective |
| The music sounds beautiful. | The music | sounds | beautiful | Adjective |
| My dream is to travel the world. | My dream | is | to travel the world | Noun (Infinitive Phrase) |
| His job is being a programmer. | His job | is | being a programmer | Noun (Gerund Phrase) |
| The problem is that we are late. | The problem | is | that we are late | Noun (Clause) |
| She became a lawyer. | She | became | a lawyer | Noun |
| The weather feels warm. | The weather | feels | warm | Adjective |
| The flowers smell fragrant. | The flowers | smell | fragrant | Adjective |
| That is my brother. | That | is | my brother | Noun |
| The cake looks amazing. | The cake | looks | amazing | Adjective |
| I am tired. | I | am | tired | Adjective |
| You are the best. | You | are | the best | Noun |
| They were happy. | They | were | happy | Adjective |
| It is she who called. | It | is | she | Pronoun |
| His intention was to help. | His intention | was | to help | Noun (Infinitive Phrase) |
| Her hobby is painting. | Her hobby | is | painting | Noun (Gerund) |
| The question is why he left. | The question | is | why he left. | Noun (Clause) |
| The decision seemed final. | The decision | seemed | final | Adjective |
| The coffee tastes bitter. | The coffee | tastes | bitter | Adjective |
| The answer is obvious. | The answer | is | obvious | Adjective |
Object Complement Examples
This table showcases sentences with object complements, highlighting the verb, direct object, and object complement. Notice how the object complement renames or describes the direct object.
| Sentence | Verb | Direct Object | Object Complement | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| They elected him president. | elected | him | president | Noun |
| We consider her intelligent. | consider | her | intelligent | Adjective |
| She painted the door red. | painted | the door | red | Adjective |
| They named the dog Buddy. | named | the dog | Buddy | Noun |
| He made her happy. | made | her | happy | Adjective |
| The company appointed John CEO. | appointed | John | CEO | Noun |
| We found the movie boring. | found | the movie | boring | Adjective |
| They consider him a genius. | consider | him | a genius | Noun |
| She called him a liar. | called | him | a liar | Noun |
| The jury found him guilty. | found | him | guilty | Adjective |
| He considers himself lucky. | considers | himself | lucky | Adjective |
| They made the house beautiful. | made | the house | beautiful | Adjective |
| She thinks the test easy. | thinks | the test | easy | Adjective |
| They appointed her treasurer. | appointed | her | treasurer | Noun |
| We elected him captain. | elected | him | captain | Noun |
| The judge declared him innocent. | declared | him | innocent | Adjective |
| She considers the task complete. | considers | the task | complete | Adjective |
| They named their daughter Rose. | named | their daughter | Rose | Noun |
| He painted the walls white. | painted | the walls | white | Adjective |
| We consider the problem solved. | consider | the problem | solved | Adjective |
| They appointed him chairman. | appointed | him | chairman | Noun |
| She called her friend silly. | called | her friend | silly | Adjective |
| We found the book interesting. | found | the book | interesting | Adjective |
| They made the room comfortable. | made | the room | comfortable | Adjective |
| The teacher called him smart. | called | him | smart | Adjective |
| The audience found the play captivating. | found | the play | captivating | Adjective |
This table provides additional examples of both Subject and Object complements for comparison. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial to mastering this concept.
| Sentence | Complement Type | Complement |
|---|---|---|
| The cake tastes delicious. | Subject Complement | delicious |
| They consider him a hero. | Object Complement | a hero |
| She is a talented artist. | Subject Complement | a talented artist |
| He made the garden beautiful. | Object Complement | beautiful |
| The movie seemed long. | Subject Complement | long |
| We elected her secretary. | Object Complement | secretary |
| The coffee smells strong. | Subject Complement | strong |
| They painted the house blue. | Object Complement | blue |
| The answer is simple. | Subject Complement | simple |
| She found the puzzle challenging. | Object Complement | challenging |
| His goal is to succeed. | Subject Complement | to succeed |
| They named their cat Whiskers. | Object Complement | Whiskers |
| The weather became cold. | Subject Complement | cold |
| We consider the project finished. | Object Complement | finished |
| That is my friend. | Subject Complement | my friend |
| He made the situation worse. | Object Complement | worse |
| Her job is teaching. | Subject Complement | teaching |
| They appointed him manager. | Object Complement | manager |
| The music sounds loud. | Subject Complement | loud |
| She called him a fool. | Object Complement | a fool |
| The problem is complex. | Subject Complement | complex |
| We found the solution easy. | Object Complement | easy |
| The truth is obvious. | Subject Complement | obvious |
| They made the presentation clear. | Object Complement | clear |
| The task seems daunting. | Subject Complement | daunting |
| She considers him unreliable. | Object Complement | unreliable |
Usage Rules
Understanding the rules that govern the use of subject and object complements ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity in writing.
Subject Complement Rules
- Follows Linking Verbs: Subject complements always follow linking verbs.
- Agrees in Number: If the subject complement is a noun or pronoun, it should agree in number with the subject. For example, “They are teachers” (plural subject and plural subject complement).
- Describes or Renames: The subject complement either describes a quality of the subject (predicate adjective) or renames the subject (predicate nominative).
Object Complement Rules
- Follows Direct Object: Object complements always follow the direct object in a sentence.
- Describes or Renames: The object complement either describes a quality of the direct object or renames the direct object.
- Specific Verbs: Object complements are typically used with verbs of making, naming, thinking, or considering.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is confusing subject complements with adverbs. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs, while subject complements describe or rename the subject.
For example:
- Incorrect: He seems quickly. (Quickly is an adverb modifying the verb, but doesn’t describe the subject)
- Correct: He seems quick. (Quick is an adjective describing the subject)
Another common mistake is using object complements with intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take a direct object). Object complements require a direct object to modify.
- Incorrect: She arrived happy. (Arrived is intransitive)
- Correct: She seemed happy. (Seemed is a linking verb, and happy is a subject complement)
Another common error is misidentifying the direct object, leading to a wrong identification of the object complement. Ensure you can correctly identify the direct object before attempting to find the object complement.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| They elected to the committee president. | They elected him president. | “Him” is the direct object, “president” is the object complement. The first sentence tries to make “to the committee” the direct object, which is incorrect. |
| The soup tastes deliciously. | The soup tastes delicious. | “Deliciously” is an adverb and cannot be a subject complement. “Delicious” is an adjective that describes the soup. |
| We consider that he is intelligent. | We consider him intelligent. | The clause “that he is intelligent” cannot function as an object complement. The sentence needs a direct object “him” and an object complement “intelligent”. |
Practice Exercises
The following exercises will help you practice identifying and distinguishing between subject and object complements.
Exercise 1: Identifying Subject Complements
Identify the subject complement in each of the following sentences:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She is a teacher. | a teacher |
| 2. The sky is blue. | blue |
| 3. He seems happy. | happy |
| 4. The food tastes delicious. | delicious |
| 5. The music sounds beautiful. | beautiful |
| 6. My dream is to travel the world. | to travel the world |
| 7. She became a lawyer. | a lawyer |
| 8. The weather feels warm. | warm |
| 9. The flowers smell fragrant. | fragrant |
| 10. The cake looks amazing. | amazing |
Exercise 2: Identifying Object Complements
Identify the object complement in each of the following sentences:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. They elected him president. | president |
| 2. We consider her intelligent. | intelligent |
| 3. She painted the door red. | red |
| 4. They named the dog Buddy. | Buddy |
| 5. He made her happy. | happy |
| 6. The company appointed John CEO. | CEO |
| 7. We found the movie boring. | boring |
| 8. She called him a liar. | a liar |
| 9. The jury found him guilty. | guilty |
| 10. They made the house beautiful. | beautiful |
Exercise 3: Distinguishing Between Subject and Object Complements
Identify whether the underlined word(s) is a subject complement or an object complement:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The coffee tastes bitter. | Subject Complement |
| 2. They consider him a genius. | Object Complement |
| 3. She is a talented singer. | Subject Complement |
| 4. He made the room comfortable. | Object Complement |
| 5. The answer is obvious. | Subject Complement |
| 6. The class found the test easy. | Object Complement |
| 7. The cat seems sleepy. | Subject Complement |
| 8. They named their boat Seafarer. | Object Complement |
| 9. The food smells delicious. | Subject Complement |
| 10. We consider the project complete. | Object Complement |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s important to recognize that complements can be more complex, involving phrases or clauses instead of single words. For instance, a subject complement can be an infinitive phrase (“His goal is to learn French“) or a clause (“The problem is that he is always late“). Similarly, an object complement might involve a participial phrase in some constructions.
Another advanced topic is the use of retained object complements in passive voice constructions. This occurs when a verb that normally takes an object complement is passivized.
The original direct object becomes the subject, and the object complement is “retained.” For example, “They elected him president” (active) becomes “He was elected president” (passive), where “president” is the retained object complement.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about subject and object complements:
- What is the difference between a complement and a modifier?
A complement is essential to complete the meaning of a verb or clause, while a modifier provides additional information but is not essential. Complements are required by the verb, whereas modifiers are optional.
- How can I identify a linking verb?
Linking verbs connect the subject to a noun or adjective that describes or renames it. Common linking verbs are forms of be (is, am, are, was, were), become, and verbs of sense (seem, look, feel, taste, smell, sound). If you can replace the verb with a form of be and the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely a linking verb.
- Can a subject complement be an adverb?
No, a subject complement cannot be an adverb. Subject complements are nouns, pronouns, or adjectives that describe or rename the subject. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
- What types of verbs typically take object complements?
Verbs that express actions of making, naming, thinking, or considering often take object complements. Examples include make, consider, find, name, elect, think, and call.
- What happens to the object complement in a passive sentence?
In a passive sentence, when the verb originally took an object complement, the object complement is “retained” and still describes the subject, which was originally the direct object. For example, “They elected him president” (active) becomes “He was elected president” (passive).
- How do I distinguish between a direct object and an object complement?
The direct object receives the action of the verb, while the object complement describes or renames the direct object. Ask yourself: Who or what is receiving the action of the verb? That’s the direct object. Then, ask: What describes or renames that direct object? That’s the object complement.
- Can a sentence have both a subject complement and an object complement?
No, a sentence cannot have both a subject complement and an object complement. Subject complements follow linking verbs and describe the subject, while object complements follow transitive verbs and describe the direct object. They serve different grammatical functions and occur in different sentence structures.
- Are there any exceptions to the rules of subject and object complements?
While the rules are generally consistent, there can be complex sentence structures where identifying the complement might be challenging. However, understanding the core principles of linking verbs, direct objects, and the descriptive/renaming function of complements will help in most cases.
Conclusion
Understanding subject and object complements is essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. Subject complements follow linking verbs and describe or rename the subject, while object complements follow direct objects and describe or rename them.
By mastering these concepts and practicing their application, you can significantly improve your English writing and speaking skills.
Remember to focus on identifying linking verbs and direct objects to accurately distinguish between subject and object complements. Consistent practice and attention to detail will solidify your understanding and enable you to use these complements with confidence.
Keep practicing with diverse examples and exercises to master the nuances of these important grammatical elements.