Understanding complements is crucial for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences in English. Complements provide essential information that completes the meaning of a verb or subject, and their proper use is fundamental to clear communication.
This article offers a detailed exploration of complements, covering their types, functions, and usage rules. Whether you’re an ESL learner, a student preparing for exams, or simply someone looking to refine your grammar skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to master complements.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of complements, providing clear explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to identify different types of complements, understand their roles in sentence structure, and confidently use them in your own writing and speech.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Complements
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Complements
- Examples of Complements
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Complements
A complement is a word, phrase, or clause that is required to complete the meaning of a verb or a subject. Unlike modifiers, which add extra information, complements are essential for a sentence to be grammatically complete and semantically sound. Complements provide necessary details about the subject or object of a sentence, clarifying their identity, characteristics, or state.
Complements are primarily used with linking verbs (e.g., is, are, was, were, become, seem) and transitive verbs (verbs that take a direct object). They can take various forms, including nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and clauses. The type of complement used depends on the verb and the intended meaning of the sentence.
Understanding complements is crucial because they form the backbone of many English sentences. Without complements, sentences often feel incomplete or lack clarity.
Mastering complements enables you to construct more complex and nuanced sentences, improving your overall communication skills.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a sentence containing a complement typically follows these patterns:
- Subject + Linking Verb + Subject Complement: In this structure, the subject complement describes or identifies the subject. For example, “She is a doctor.” (doctor is the subject complement)
- Subject + Transitive Verb + Direct Object + Object Complement: Here, the object complement describes or identifies the direct object. For example, “They painted the house blue.” (blue is the object complement)
- Subject + Verb + Adjective Complement: Although less common, some verbs can be followed by an adjective complement that further describes the verb’s action or result.
Let’s break down each element:
- Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described.
- Linking Verb: Connects the subject to the subject complement (e.g., be, become, seem). Linking verbs do not express action; instead, they link the subject to a description or identification.
- Transitive Verb: A verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning.
- Direct Object: The noun or pronoun that receives the action of the transitive verb.
- Subject Complement: A word or phrase that describes or identifies the subject.
- Object Complement: A word or phrase that describes or identifies the direct object.
The placement of the complement is crucial for maintaining grammatical correctness and clarity. In most cases, the complement immediately follows the verb or the direct object it modifies.
Any deviation from this pattern can lead to confusion or grammatical errors.
Types of Complements
Complements can be categorized into several types, each serving a distinct function in sentence structure. The main types of complements are:
Subject Complements
A subject complement follows a linking verb and describes or identifies the subject of the sentence. It can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective. Subject complements provide essential information about the subject’s characteristics, identity, or state of being.
There are two main types of subject complements:
- Predicate Nominative: A noun or pronoun that renames or identifies the subject. Example: “John is the president.”
- Predicate Adjective: An adjective that describes the subject. Example: “The sky is blue.”
Object Complements
An object complement follows the direct object and describes or identifies it. It is used with transitive verbs that require further information about the object. Object complements can be nouns or adjectives.
Object complements provide additional details about the direct object, clarifying its state, condition, or identity after the action of the verb.
Adjective Complements
An adjective complement is a phrase or clause that completes the meaning of an adjective. This type of complement typically follows the adjective and provides more information about it. Adjective complements often take the form of prepositional phrases or clauses.
For example, in the sentence “I am happy that you are here,” the clause “that you are here” is the adjective complement of the adjective “happy.” It explains the reason for the happiness.
Preposition Complements
A preposition complement, also known as the object of the preposition, is a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that follows a preposition and completes its meaning. Prepositions connect nouns or pronouns to other words in the sentence, and the preposition complement specifies what the preposition is referring to.
For example, in the sentence “The book is on the table,” “the table” is the preposition complement of the preposition “on.” It indicates where the book is located.
Examples of Complements
The following tables provide extensive examples of each type of complement, illustrating their usage in different contexts.
Table 1: Subject Complements (Predicate Nominatives)
This table showcases examples of subject complements that are predicate nominatives, which rename or identify the subject.
| Sentence | Subject Complement (Predicate Nominative) | Linking Verb |
|---|---|---|
| She is a doctor. | doctor | is |
| My brother became a teacher. | teacher | became |
| The winner was he. | he | was |
| This is my friend. | friend | is |
| They are the champions. | champions | are |
| The problem is complexity. | complexity | is |
| His dream is to become a pilot. | pilot | is |
| Her goal is success. | success | is |
| The solution is patience. | patience | is |
| What I want to be is an artist. | artist | is |
| That man is the culprit. | culprit | is |
| My favorite sport is soccer. | soccer | is |
| The capital of France is Paris. | Paris | is |
| The main ingredient is love. | love | is |
| His greatest fear is failure. | failure | is |
| The best part of the trip was the adventure. | adventure | was |
| Her biggest strength is resilience. | resilience | is |
| The key to success is hard work. | hard work | is |
| His job is a programmer. | programmer | is |
| The lead actor is Tom Hanks. | Tom Hanks | is |
| My favorite dessert is ice cream. | ice cream | is |
| The answer to the puzzle is 42. | 42 | is |
| Her favorite color is blue. | blue | is |
| The name of the band is The Complements. | The Complements | is |
| The purpose of this meeting is discussion. | discussion | is |
| The meaning of life is happiness. | happiness | is |
Table 2: Subject Complements (Predicate Adjectives)
This table presents examples of subject complements that are predicate adjectives, which describe the subject.
| Sentence | Subject Complement (Predicate Adjective) | Linking Verb |
|---|---|---|
| The sky is blue. | blue | is |
| She seems happy. | happy | seems |
| The food tastes delicious. | delicious | tastes |
| He became angry. | angry | became |
| The music sounds beautiful. | beautiful | sounds |
| The weather is cold. | cold | is |
| The coffee smells strong. | strong | smells |
| The situation is complicated. | complicated | is |
| The movie was boring. | boring | was |
| The task appears difficult. | difficult | appears |
| The room feels warm. | warm | feels |
| The story sounds interesting. | interesting | sounds |
| The flowers look pretty. | pretty | look |
| The problem seems unsolvable. | unsolvable | seems |
| The cake tastes sweet. | sweet | tastes |
| The journey was long. | long | was |
| The atmosphere feels relaxed. | relaxed | feels |
| The explanation sounds convincing. | convincing | sounds |
| The experience was memorable. | memorable | was |
| The project seems promising. | promising | seems |
| The fabric feels soft. | soft | feels |
| The design looks modern. | modern | looks |
| The idea sounds brilliant. | brilliant | sounds |
| The water feels refreshing. | refreshing | feels |
| The solution appears simple. | simple | appears |
| The outcome was positive. | positive | was |
Table 3: Object Complements
This table provides examples of object complements, which describe or identify the direct object.
| Sentence | Direct Object | Object Complement | Transitive Verb |
|---|---|---|---|
| They painted the house blue. | house | blue | painted |
| We consider him a friend. | him | friend | consider |
| The class elected her president. | her | president | elected |
| They named the baby Rose. | baby | Rose | named |
| The committee found him guilty. | him | guilty | found |
| She called her dog Lucky. | dog | Lucky | called |
| The audience found the play enjoyable. | play | enjoyable | found |
| He made his assistant angry. | assistant | angry | made |
| The judge declared him innocent. | him | innocent | declared |
| They consider her the best. | her | best | consider |
| We appointed him treasurer. | him | treasurer | appointed |
| The company made him CEO. | him | CEO | made |
| They deemed the project successful. | project | successful | deemed |
| The jury found the evidence compelling. | evidence | compelling | found |
| She likes her coffee strong. | coffee | strong | likes |
| He prefers his tea sweet. | tea | sweet | prefers |
| They consider the task complete. | task | complete | consider |
| The voters elected her governor. | her | governor | elected |
| The team named him captain. | him | captain | named |
| She keeps her room tidy. | room | tidy | keeps |
| They want their children happy. | children | happy | want |
| He likes his steak rare. | steak | rare | likes |
| We found the movie hilarious. | movie | hilarious | found |
| They made the announcement official. | announcement | official | made |
| She prefers her salad plain. | salad | plain | prefers |
Table 4: Adjective Complements
This table showcases sentences with adjective complements, which are phrases or clauses that complete the meaning of an adjective.
| Sentence | Adjective | Adjective Complement |
|---|---|---|
| I am happy that you are here. | happy | that you are here |
| She is afraid of heights. | afraid | of heights |
| He was certain of success. | certain | of success |
| They were surprised at the news. | surprised | at the news |
| We are grateful for your help. | grateful | for your help |
| She is keen on dancing. | keen | on dancing |
| He is aware of the risks. | aware | of the risks |
| They are anxious about the results. | anxious | about the results |
| We were pleased with the outcome. | pleased | with the outcome |
| She is good at painting. | good | at painting |
| He is responsible for the project. | responsible | for the project |
| They are excited about the trip. | excited | about the trip |
| We were disappointed by the service. | disappointed | by the service |
| She is skilled in music. | skilled | in music |
| He is interested in history. | interested | in history |
| They are committed to the cause. | committed | to the cause |
| We are proud of our achievements. | proud | of our achievements |
| She is dependent on her family. | dependent | on her family |
| He is capable of anything. | capable | of anything |
| They are familiar with the area. | familiar | with the area |
| We are satisfied with the product. | satisfied | with the product |
| She is tired of working. | tired | of working |
| He is enthusiastic about the event. | enthusiastic | about the event |
| They are concerned about the environment. | concerned | about the environment |
| We are optimistic about the future. | optimistic | about the future |
Table 5: Preposition Complements
This table provides examples of preposition complements, which are nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases that follow a preposition.
| Sentence | Preposition | Preposition Complement (Object of Preposition) |
|---|---|---|
| The book is on the table. | on | the table |
| She is talking to him. | to | him |
| He is interested in music. | in | music |
| They are going to the park. | to | the park |
| We are waiting for the bus. | for | the bus |
| She is sitting beside me. | beside | me |
| He is hiding under the bed. | under | the bed |
| They are walking along the beach. | along | the beach |
| We are thinking about the future. | about | the future |
| She is looking at the picture. | at | the picture |
| He is coming from the store. | from | the store |
| They are standing near the entrance. | near | the entrance |
| We are traveling with our friends. | with | our friends |
| She is writing to her family. | to | her family |
| He is laughing at the joke. | at | the joke |
| They are arguing about the decision. | about | the decision |
| We are depending on your help. | on | your help |
| She is succeeding in her career. | in | her career |
| He is participating in the event. | in | the event |
| They are contributing to the project. | to | the project |
| We are grateful for your support. | for | your support |
| She is apologizing for her mistake. | for | her mistake |
| He is preparing for the test. | for | the test |
| They are searching for the treasure. | for | the treasure |
| We are investing in the company. | in | the company |
Usage Rules
Proper usage of complements involves adhering to specific grammatical rules. These rules ensure that sentences are clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
- Linking Verbs and Subject Complements: Linking verbs must be followed by a subject complement that describes or identifies the subject. Common linking verbs include be (is, are, was, were), become, seem, look, feel, taste, smell, and sound.
- Transitive Verbs and Object Complements: Transitive verbs that take a direct object can also be followed by an object complement to provide additional information about the object. The object complement should clearly relate to the direct object and clarify its state or identity.
- Adjective Complements: Adjectives can be followed by prepositional phrases or clauses that act as complements, providing more details about the adjective’s meaning. These complements should logically connect to the adjective and enhance its description.
- Preposition Complements: Prepositions must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that serves as the object of the preposition. The object of the preposition completes the meaning of the prepositional phrase and clarifies its relationship to other words in the sentence.
Agreement: Subject complements must agree in number with the subject. If the subject is singular, the subject complement should also be singular, and vice versa.
Clarity: Ensure that the complement clearly relates to the word it is complementing. Ambiguous or unclear complements can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
Common Mistakes
Many learners make common mistakes when using complements. Understanding these errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speech.
Mistake 1: Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs
Incorrect: He seems angrily.
Correct: He seems angry. (Angry is a predicate adjective describing the subject He.)
Mistake 2: Omitting Necessary Complements
Incorrect: She is.
Correct: She is a teacher. (The sentence requires a subject complement to complete its meaning.)
Mistake 3: Incorrect Word Order
Incorrect: They painted blue the house.
Correct: They painted the house blue. (The object complement should follow the direct object.)
Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Type of Complement
Incorrect: I am happy for you are here.
Correct: I am happy that you are here. (The correct complement is a clause introduced by that.)
Mistake 5: Subject-Verb Disagreement with Subject Complements
Incorrect: The problem are complexities.
Correct: The problem is complexities. (The subject complement must agree in number with the subject.)
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of complements with the following practice exercises. Identify the type of complement used in each sentence and explain its function.
Exercise 1: Identify the Subject Complements
Identify the subject complement in each sentence and state whether it is a predicate nominative or a predicate adjective.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She is a nurse. | nurse (predicate nominative) |
| 2. The cake tastes delicious. | delicious (predicate adjective) |
| 3. He became a doctor. | doctor (predicate nominative) |
| 4. The sky is blue. | blue (predicate adjective) |
| 5. They are the champions. | champions (predicate nominative) |
| 6. The music sounds beautiful. | beautiful (predicate adjective) |
| 7. My favorite color is green. | green (predicate nominative) |
| 8. The weather is cold. | cold (predicate adjective) |
| 9. Her goal is success. | success (predicate nominative) |
| 10. The room feels warm. | warm (predicate adjective) |
Exercise 2: Identify the Object Complements
Identify the object complement in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. They painted the house blue. | blue |
| 2. We consider him a friend. | friend |
| 3. The class elected her president. | president |
| 4. They named the baby Rose. | Rose |
| 5. The committee found him guilty. | guilty |
| 6. She keeps her room tidy. | tidy |
| 7. We want our children happy. | happy |
| 8. He likes his steak rare. | rare |
| 9. We found the movie hilarious. | hilarious |
| 10. They made the announcement official. | official |
Exercise 3: Identify the Adjective Complements
Identify the adjective complement in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I am happy that you are here. | that you are here |
| 2. She is afraid of heights. | of heights |
| 3. He was certain of success. | of success |
| 4. They were surprised at the news. | at the news |
| 5. We are grateful for your help. | for your help |
| 6. She is keen on dancing. | on dancing |
| 7. He is aware of the risks. | of the risks |
| 8. They are anxious about the results. | about the results |
| 9. We were pleased with the outcome. | with the outcome |
| 10. She is good at painting. | at painting |
Exercise 4: Identify the Preposition Complements
Identify the preposition complement in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The book is on the table. | the table |
| 2. She is talking to him. | him |
| 3. He is interested in music. | music |
| 4. They are going to the park. | the park |
| 5. We are waiting for the bus. | the bus |
| 6. She is sitting beside me. | me |
| 7. He is hiding under the bed. | the bed |
| 8. They are walking along the beach. | the beach |
| 9. We are thinking about the future. | the future |
| 10. She is looking at the picture. | the picture |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring more complex aspects of complements can further enhance their understanding of English grammar.
- Complex Object Complements: These involve more elaborate structures, such as infinitives or clauses, that function as object complements. For example, “They consider him to be the best candidate.”
- Elliptical Complements: In some cases, complements may be omitted if they are understood from the context. This is common in informal speech and writing. For example, “Are you ready?” “Yes, I am.” (The complement ‘ready’ is understood.)
- Complements in Passive Voice: When sentences are transformed into the passive voice, the complements may undergo changes in structure and function. Understanding these transformations is crucial for advanced grammatical analysis.
Exploring these advanced topics requires a solid foundation in basic grammar principles and a keen eye for detail. By delving into these complexities, learners can achieve a more
thorough understanding of sentence structure and meaning.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a complement and a modifier?
A: A complement is essential to complete the meaning of a verb or subject, whereas a modifier provides additional, non-essential information. Complements are required for grammatical correctness, while modifiers are optional.
Q: Can a sentence have more than one complement?
A: Yes, a sentence can have multiple complements, especially if it includes both a direct object and an object complement. Additionally, compound subjects can have multiple subject complements.
Q: How do I identify a subject complement?
A: A subject complement follows a linking verb and describes or identifies the subject. Look for words or phrases that rename or describe the subject after verbs like is, are, was, were, become, seem.
Q: What are some common linking verbs?
A: Common linking verbs include be (is, are, was, were), become, seem, look, feel, taste, smell, and sound. These verbs connect the subject to a descriptive word or phrase.
Q: How can I improve my understanding of complements?
A: Practice identifying complements in various sentences, study examples, and focus on understanding the relationship between verbs and the words that complete their meaning. Regular exercises and attention to sentence structure can significantly improve your comprehension.
Conclusion
Mastering complements is an essential step in achieving proficiency in English grammar. By understanding the different types of complements and their functions, you can construct clearer, more precise, and grammatically sound sentences.
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of complements, complete with definitions, examples, usage rules, and practice exercises.
Continue to practice and apply these principles in your writing and speech. With dedication and consistent effort, you can confidently use complements to enhance your communication skills and express your ideas with greater accuracy and clarity.
Whether you are a student, a professional, or an ESL learner, a solid understanding of complements will undoubtedly contribute to your overall success in English.