What is a complement in English grammar?

In English grammar, a complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a subject, an object, or a verb within a sentence. Complements provide additional information to make the sentence clearer or more complete.

There are different types of complements:

1. Subject Complement: It follows a linking verb (such as "be," "seem," "become," etc.) and renames or describes the subject. There are two main types:

   • Predicate Nominative: A noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that renames the subject (e.g., "He is a doctor." - "doctor" renames "he").
   • Predicate Adjective: An adjective or adjective phrase that describes the subject (e.g., "She seems happy." - "happy" describes "she").

2. Object Complement: It follows and modifies the direct object, providing more information about it. Object complements can be nouns, pronouns, adjectives, or phrases:

   • Direct Object Complement: Modifies the direct object (e.g., "They painted the wall white." - "white" describes the wall).
   • Indirect Object Complement: Provides information about the indirect object (e.g., "She considers him her mentor." - "her mentor" describes "him").

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In English grammar, a complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a subject, an object, or a verb within a sentence. Complements provide additional information to make the sentence clearer or more complete.

There are different types of complements:

1. Subject Complement: It follows a linking verb (such as "be," "seem," "become," etc.) and renames or describes the subject. There are two main types:

   • Predicate Nominative: A noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that renames the subject (e.g., "He is a doctor." - "doctor" renames "he").
   • Predicate Adjective: An adjective or adjective phrase that describes the subject (e.g., "She seems happy." - "happy" describes "she").

2. Object Complement: It follows and modifies the direct object, providing more information about it. Object complements can be nouns, pronouns, adjectives, or phrases:

   • Direct Object Complement: Modifies the direct object (e.g., "They painted the wall white." - "white" describes the wall).
   • Indirect Object Complement: Provides information about the indirect object (e.g., "She considers him her mentor." - "her mentor" describes "him").

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In English grammar, a complement is a word or a group of words that completes the meaning of a sentence by adding information about the subject or object. There are two main types: Subject Complement: It follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject. For example, "She is a doctor." ("doctor" renames the subject "She.") Object Complement: It provides additional information about the object. For instance, "They made him their leader." ("their leader" gives more detail about the object "him.") Complements help to clarify or complete the meaning of the sentence's subject or object. read less

A complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a sentence. Complements are essential for providing additional information about the subject or object of a sentence. There are two main types of complements: subject complements and object complements

Subject Complement: A subject complement follows a linking verb (such as "be," "seem," "become," or "appear") and provides more information about the subject. The most common type of subject complement is a predicate nominative or predicate noun, which renames or identifies the subject. Another type is a predicate adjective, which describes or qualifies the subject.

Examples: She is a doctor. (Predicate nominative), The flowers smell sweet. (Predicate adjective)

 

Object Complement: An object complement follows and modifies the direct object of a verb. It provides additional information about the direct object, specifying its state or identifying it. Like subject complements, object complements can be nouns or adjectives.

Examples: We elected her president. (Noun object complement),  They painted the house red. (Adjective object complement)

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In English grammar, a complement is a word or a group of words that completes the meaning of a subject, verb, or object within a sentence. 

1. Subject Complement: This type of complement follows a linking verb and provides additional information about the subject. The most common type of subject complement is a predicate adjective or a predicate nominative.

   • Example with a predicate adjective: She is happy.
   • Example with a predicate nominative: He is a teacher.

2. Object Complement: This type of complement provides additional information about the object of a verb. It can be an adjective or a noun that renames or describes the direct object.

   • Example with an adjective object complement: She found the painting beautiful.
   • Example with a noun object complement: They elected him president.

3. Verb Complement: This is a term that encompasses both subject and object complements. It refers to any word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb. This can include direct objects, indirect objects, and other elements that contribute to the verb's meaning.

Complements help provide a more complete picture of the action or state expressed in a sentence. They are crucial for conveying precise meanings and adding depth to the structure of sentences.

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