Complements in English Grammar: Types, Examples & Uses

Complements play a crucial role in English sentence construction by providing essential information that completes the meaning of verbs, subjects, or objects. Without them, many sentences would feel unfinished or ambiguous. This comprehensive guide breaks down the concept of complements, their types, functions, and practical applications to help you build stronger, more precise language skills.

Defining Complements in English Grammar

A complement is a word, phrase, or clause that adds vital details to a sentence, making it complete and meaningful. It typically follows certain verbs and describes or identifies the subject or object. For instance, dictionaries like Oxford Learner’s define it as an element that enhances or completes another part of speech, while Cambridge notes it usually follows the verb to provide more info about the subject or object.

Unlike optional modifiers or adjuncts, complements are mandatory for sentence clarity. If removing them leaves the sentence incomplete, they are complements. Common forms include nouns, adjectives, pronouns, or even clauses, always tying back to the core action or state expressed by the verb.

Subject Complements: Describing the Doer

Subject complements follow linking verbs and provide information about the sentence’s subject, either renaming it or describing its state. Linking verbs such as be, seem, become, appear, feel, look, sound, smell, and taste connect the subject to this additional detail.

These complements can be:

• Noun or noun phrase: Identifies the subject, e.g., “She is a teacher.” Here, “a teacher” renames “she.”
• Adjective or adjective phrase: Describes the subject’s quality, e.g., “The soup tastes delicious.”
• Pronoun: Less common but possible, e.g., “It is he.”

Subject complements ensure the sentence paints a full picture of the subject’s identity or condition. Without them, linking verbs hang incomplete, like “The sky is…”

Object Complements: Enhancing the Receiver

Object complements follow direct objects and modify them by renaming or describing what the object has become or is perceived as. They appear after action verbs that are transitive, meaning they require a direct object.

Structure: Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Object Complement.

Examples include:

• “They elected him president.” (“president” renames “him”)
• “The jury found the defendant guilty.” (“guilty” describes “defendant”)
• “She considers him a genius.” (noun phrase renaming)

Object complements are key in sentences where the verb doesn’t fully convey the result or perception applied to the object.

Linking Verbs and Their Role in Complements

Linking verbs act as bridges, not expressing action but equating or describing the subject. Here’s a table of common linking verbs and example complements:

These verbs demand complements to function properly, distinguishing them from action verbs that may or may not need objects.

Distinguishing Complements from Other Elements

Complements differ from objects, predicates, and adjuncts:

• Direct objects receive the action of transitive verbs, e.g., “She kicked the ball.” No further complement needed.
• Adjuncts/modifiers are optional, e.g., “She kicked the ball yesterday.” Removing it doesn’t break the sentence.
• Predicate nominatives/adjectives are synonyms for subject complements.

Test for complements: If omission makes the sentence grammatically incomplete or nonsensical, it’s a complement.

Common Mistakes with Complements

Learners often confuse complements with objects or misuse linking verbs as action verbs:

• Wrong: “She feels badly.” Correct: “She feels bad.” (Links to state, not action; adjective needed.)
• Wrong: “The news made me feel sad.” Better as object complement: “The news made me sad.”
• Forgetting complements: “The weather turned…” Incomplete without “stormy.”

Practice identifying by diagramming sentences or using grammar tools.

Advanced Uses: Complements in Complex Sentences

In clauses, complements can be phrases or subordinate clauses. For example:

• “What you see is what you get.” (Clause as subject complement)
• Prepositional complements: “She is fond of cats.”

Verb complements complete certain verbs like “make,” “elect,” or perception verbs.

Practical Tips for Using Complements Effectively

To elevate your writing:

• Pair linking verbs with descriptive complements for vividness.
• Use object complements to show change or perception dynamically.
• Read aloud to check if sentences feel complete.
• Analyze professional writing for complement patterns.

Complements add depth, making language precise and engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main function of a complement?

A complement completes the meaning of a verb by describing or identifying the subject or object in a sentence.

Can complements be phrases or clauses?

Yes, they can be single words, phrases, or clauses, as long as they provide essential information.

How do I identify a subject complement?

Look for words after linking verbs that rename or describe the subject.

What’s the difference between subject and object complements?

Subject complements follow linking verbs and relate to the subject; object complements follow direct objects and modify them.

Are all verbs followed by complements?

No, only linking verbs require subject complements, and specific transitive verbs need object complements.

Written by

Medha Deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. Medha specializes in the areas of beauty, health, sports, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is…