1. Basics of English Sentence Structure
English is a language that follows a subject (subject)-verb (verb)-object (object) structure. However, at the same time,
there are various components that enhance the richness of sentences. In particular, the complement plays an important role
in supplementing the meaning of the subject or verb, clarifying the meaning of the sentence.
2. Definition and Necessity of Complement
A complement is a component used alongside the subject, verb, and object in a sentence, serving to supplement or
explain the meaning of the subject or object. Complements generally appear between the subject and the verb or behind the object,
enhancing the clarity and completeness of the sentence.
For example, in the sentence She is a doctor., ‘a doctor’ serves as a complement to the subject ‘She,’ explaining her profession.
Without a complement, the sentence cannot convey its meaning clearly.
3. Subject Complements and Object Complements
Complements can generally be divided into two types: subject complements and object complements.
3.1 Subject Complement
A subject complement provides additional information about the subject and is located between the subject and the verb.
A subject complement can be a noun, an adjective, or a participle. It is typically used with linking verbs such as ‘to be.’
3.1.1 Forms and Examples
The forms of subject complements are as follows:
- Noun subject complement: He is an engineer.
- Adjective subject complement: She seems tired.
- Participle subject complement: The task is finished.
These subject complements clarify what the subject is and what state it is in, faithfully conveying the meaning of the sentence.
3.2 Object Complement
An object complement provides additional information about the object and is generally located after the object.
An object complement can be a noun, an adjective, or a participle.
3.2.1 Forms and Examples
The forms of object complements are as follows:
- Noun object complement: They elected him president.
- Adjective object complement: We found the movie boring.
- Participle object complement: She kept the room clean.
An object complement enriches the role of the object in the sentence, helping the reader understand the content of the sentence better.
4. Various Types of Subject Complements
Subject complements exist in various forms in English grammar, and each form is used to convey specific meanings.
This section will explore the different types of subject complements in detail.
4.1 Noun Subject Complement
A noun subject complement provides a definition or explanation of the subject and takes on a role similar to the subject.
For example, in John is a teacher., ‘a teacher’ is a noun complement that describes John.
4.2 Adjective Subject Complement
An adjective subject complement describes the state or character of the subject. For example,
in The sky is blue., ‘blue’ is an adjective complement describing the color of the sky.
Adjective complements typically provide a deeper explanation of the state between the subject and the verb.
4.3 Participle Subject Complement
A participle subject complement describes the state of the subject or an action that has been completed.
For example, in The task is completed., ‘completed’ describes the state of the task as finished.
This is useful for emphasizing the result state.
4.4 Something Becoming Subject Complement
When a specific subject ‘takes on’ a specific identity or state, this type of complement is often placed after a ‘to be’ verb.
For example: He became a hero. Here, ‘a hero’ describes the state he has become.
5. Grammatical Role of Subject Complements
Subject complements deepen the meaning of the sentence and clarify the relationship between the subject and the verb.
They help the reader understand the sentence more easily and maintain a clear structure throughout the sentence.
Sentences that use subject complements always provide more information, attracting the reader’s attention and
evoking curiosity. For example, in The cake tastes delicious., ‘delicious’ serves as a subject complement for the subject ‘cake,’ specifically describing the taste of the cake.
Thus, complements are significant components in English sentences, allowing for the conveyance of various information and meanings.
6. Utilization and Practice of Subject Complements
Effectively utilizing subject complements in English sentences is very important. Proper use of subject complements
requires various practice and effort. This includes the following methods:
6.1 Subject Complement Practice Problems
It is advisable to practice various sentence structures that include subject complements. For example, fill in the subject complement correctly in the following sentences:
- My brother is ______.
- The flowers are ______.
- She seems ______.
6.2 Sentence Creation Practice
Try creating sentences using new subject complements. For example, change ‘a writer’ in My friend is a writer.
to another profession. This helps in practicing various complements.
7. Conclusion
Understanding the importance of complements, especially subject complements, is essential when constructing English sentences.
Every sentence consists of a subject, verb, and complement, with complements enriching the meaning of the sentence by
explaining the nature and state of the subject.
It greatly helps English learners to understand the concept of complements and use them effectively, enhancing the completeness of their sentences and improving their language skills.
Proper use of complements is the key to enhancing English proficiency, so continuous practice and actual usage can lead to further improvement.