The journey of learning English begins with understanding the structure and meaning of sentences. Among these, complements and the objective complements in the present participle (v-ing) are important elements of English grammar. In this article, we will explain the definition and role of complements, the meaning of the present participle, and how they are connected. As a result, you will be able to construct and understand English sentences more clearly.
1. Definition of Complement
A complement is an element that provides additional information about the subject or object in a sentence. In English, it can be divided into two types: subject complement and object complement. A subject complement describes the subject, while an object complement supplements the information about the object. Complements play an important role in indicating the state, quality, or identity of the subject.
1.1 Subject Complement
A subject complement plays a role in forming the main meaning of the sentence along with the subject. Subject complements typically follow linking verbs (e.g., be, become, seem) and explain the state of the subject. For example:
- She is a teacher.
- He became a doctor.
- They seem happy.
1.2 Object Complement
An object complement completes the meaning by supplementing the verb’s object. It usually appears after causative verbs (e.g., make, let, have) or perception verbs (e.g., see, hear, feel). Let’s understand this through the following examples:
- She made him cry.
- I heard her scream.
- They let us go.
2. Concept of Present Participle (v-ing)
The present participle (v-ing) is one of the forms of verbs that indicates an action is currently in progress. It generally ends in ‘-ing’ and is used with verbs to perform various grammatical roles. The present participle can function as an adjective modifying nouns, as a gerund, or even form a clause independently.
2.1 Uses of Present Participle
The present participle is used for various purposes. These include the following forms:
- Use as an adjective: The present participle mainly modifies nouns. For example: The running water is cold.
- Use as a gerund: The present participle can be used like a noun to act as a subject, object, or complement. Example: Smoking is harmful.
- Participial phrases: The present participle can be used as a clause that provides additional information in the sentence. Example: Running down the street, I saw her.
3. Relationship between Object Complement and Present Participle
Object complements can sometimes appear in the form of present participles. That is, a verb can use a present participle complement to describe the state or action of the object. This expression is mainly used to indicate changes or ongoing states.
3.1 Examples of Present Participle as Object Complement
Here are examples of sentences using the present participle (v-ing) as an object complement:
- She kept him waiting.
- I found them playing in the park.
- He considered her running the marathon.
4. Correct Usage in English Sentences
Using the correct complements when writing English sentences is essential for conveying meaning accurately. Here are some points to pay attention to when using complements:
4.1 Clear Subject and Verb
The complement must align with the meaning of the corresponding subject and verb. Incorrect complement usage can obscure the meaning of the sentence. For example, in She is a doctor., ‘a doctor’ is a subject complement that clearly describes the subject ‘She.’
4.2 Consistency in Complement Form
The form of the complement should maintain consistency depending on the context. For example, ‘I saw her singing.’ and ‘I saw her sing.’ convey different meanings. The former indicates seeing her in the act of singing, while the latter means witnessing the action of her singing itself.
4.3 Understanding the Relationship between Verb and Complement
In causative and perception verbs, the form of the complement is strictly defined. For example:
- She made him cry (causative verb + object + object complement).
- I heard her sing (perception verb + object + object complement).
5. Practical Exercises
Practicing complements and present participles (v-ing) as object complements can help you use them more accurately. Here are practical exercise examples:
5.1 Completing Sentences
Please fill in the appropriate complement in the following sentences:
- The teacher kept the students __________.
- She saw him __________.
- He considers her __________.
5.2 Identifying Complement Types
Identify the types of complements in the following sentences:
- They made him happy.
- She is excited about the trip.
- I saw her crying.
Conclusion
Complements play a very important role in understanding and constructing English sentences. Subject complements and object complements supplement the meaning of the sentence, and the present participle (v-ing) can also serve as such complements. This article aims to provide a deeper understanding of complements and present participles as object complements, helping you study English more effectively.
Learning English goes beyond simply knowing grammar; it is a process of understanding how that grammar applies to language use. Proper usage of complements and present participles as object complements is a crucial factor that can elevate your English skills to the next level. Continuously learning and practicing will enhance your language abilities.