Understanding sentence structure is crucial when learning English. In particular, complements, objects, and object complements are key elements that make up a sentence. In this article, we will explore these three elements in depth and examine how they are related to each other.
1. What is a complement?
A complement is a word, phrase, or clause that adds meaning to the subject or object. It plays a role in describing the nature or state of the subject and is typically positioned after the verb. There are the following types of complements:
1.1 Subject Complement
A subject complement describes what the subject is or what state it is in. In most cases, a subject complement appears in the form of an adjective or noun. For example:
- She is a teacher.
(She is a teacher.) - The sky became dark.
(The sky became dark.) - He feels happy.
(He feels happy.)
1.2 Object Complement
An object complement describes the state or nature of the object. It typically follows the verb and can take the form of a noun, adjective, or participle. For example:
- They elected him president.
(They elected him president.) - We found the task boring.
(We found the task boring.) - She considers him a genius.
(She considers him a genius.)
2. What is an object?
An object is the target that receives the action of the verb and is an essential component of the sentence. The object usually appears as a noun or noun phrase and can be divided into two types:
2.1 Direct Object
A direct object is the target of the action that the verb performs directly. For example:
- She plays the piano.
(She plays the piano.) - We read the book.
(We read the book.)
2.2 Indirect Object
An indirect object indicates the receiver of the direct object and generally carries the meaning of “to” or “for.” For example:
- I gave her a gift.
(I gave her a gift.) - He told me a story.
(He told me a story.)
3. Use of Object Complement (to-v/v/v-ing)
An object complement is used with the object to complement and describe its state or nature. It can appear in the following forms:
3.1 Object Complement in the form of to-v
The infinitive form of the object complement is used primarily to express emotions, opinions, or intentions. For example:
- I want him to go.
(I want him to go.) - She asked me to help her.
(She asked me to help her.)
3.2 Object Complement in the form of v-ing
The -ing form of the object complement is used primarily to indicate ongoing actions or continuous states. For example:
- We saw him swimming.
(We saw him swimming.) - I appreciate your helping me.
(I appreciate your helping me.)
3.3 Object Complement in the form of v
The base form of the verb as an object complement usually appears in association with a modal verb. For example:
- I heard her sing.
(I heard her sing.) - They made him cry.
(They made him cry.)
4. Understanding Structure in English Sentences
When constructing sentences, it is important to understand the correct positions and roles of complements, objects, and object complements. The basic structure of a sentence is subject + verb + object, and based on this, additional explanations can be added with complements or objects that serve as complements. For example:
- She (subject) found (verb) him (object) to be funny (object complement).
(She found him to be funny.) - They (subject) consider (verb) the task (object) boring (object complement).
(They consider the task boring.)
5. Sentence Practice and Exercises
It is important to practice creating various sentences based on your understanding and to practice how each element connects. Complete the following sentences:
- I want him ________ (to win).
(I want him to win.) - She found the movie ________ (exciting).
(She found the movie exciting.) - We saw them ________ (play).
(We saw them play.)
6. Conclusion
In English sentence structure, complements, objects, and object complements each play important roles. By understanding their relationships and mastering their usage, you can construct English sentences more clearly. It is essential to build your skills by consistently creating various example sentences through practice.