Writers Workshop: Writer Resources
Grammar Handbook: Complements
A complement is called a complement because it completes the predicate in a sentence. There are two kinds of complements: object complements and subject complements.
Object Complements
An object complement follows the direct object and modifies or refers to the direct object. An object complement can be an adjective, a noun, a word, or a group of words which acts as an adjective or noun:
- If you elect me president, I'll keep the unions satisfied. ("President" is an object complement referring to the direct object "me." "Satisfied" is an object complement modifying the direct object "unions.")
- The students elected Mary president. ("President" is an object complement referring to the direct object "Mary.")
- Wool socks will keep your feet very warm.
("Very warm" is an object complement modifying the direct object "your feet.")
Subject Complements
A subject complement follows a linking verb and modifies or refers to the subject. A subject complement can be an adjective, a noun, a pronoun, a word, or a group of words which acts as an adjective or noun:
- I am a teacher, but I am not yet experienced. ("Teacher" and "experienced" are both subject complements that modify the subject "I.")
Subject complements have two subgroups: predicate adjectives and predicate nouns.
Predicate Adjectives
A predicate adjective is a subject complement that is an adjective (see appositives):
- I am not yet experienced. ("Experienced" is a predicate adjective that modifies the subject "I.")
Predicate Noun
A predicate noun (nominative) is a subject complement that is a noun:
- I am a teacher. ("Teacher" is a predicate noun that refers to the subject "I.")