How to Identify Complements in Sentences with Examples
Complements in English grammar are words or groups of words that complete the meaning of a sentence. Understanding complements helps you write better sentences in school exams, competitive tests, and daily English. This concept is essential for building correct sentence structure and avoiding common writing mistakes.
| Type of Complement | What It Completes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Complement | Describes or renames the subject | Sarah is a doctor. (“a doctor” is the subject complement) |
| Object Complement | Describes or renames the object | They made her captain. (“captain” is the object complement) |
| Adjective Complement | Completes the meaning of an adjective | She is afraid of heights. (“of heights” is the adjective complement) |
| Noun Complement | Completes the meaning of a noun | His idea that everyone can win is unrealistic. (“that everyone can win” is the noun complement) |
What is a Complement in Grammar?
A complement in grammar is a word or group of words needed to complete the meaning of the subject or object of a sentence. Complements make sentences clear and complete. Without the right complement, a sentence can feel unfinished or confusing.
- Subject complements follow linking verbs (like “is”, “become”) and give information about the subject.
- Object complements follow direct objects to describe or rename them.
- Adjective and noun complements complete the meaning of adjectives or nouns.
For example: “She became tired.” (“tired” is the complement describing the subject “she”).
Types of Complements in English Grammar
There are several main types of complements in English. Learning each type helps you spot them in questions and sentence corrections.
- Subject Complement: Renames or describes the subject, usually after linking verbs. Example: “The sky became dark.”
- Object Complement: Renames or describes the object. Example: “They elected him president.”
- Predicate Nominative: A noun subject complement. Example: “My friend is a teacher.”
- Predicate Adjective: An adjective subject complement. Example: “He seems happy.”
- Adjective/Noun Complement: Completes the sense of an adjective or noun. Example: “She is eager to help.” / “The belief that he will win.”
How to Identify Complements in Sentences
Complements can be tricky to spot, especially in long or complex sentences. Follow these steps to identify them:
- Find the main verb in the sentence.
- Check what follows the verb:
- If it describes the subject and follows a linking verb, it is likely a subject complement.
- If it describes or renames the object after an action verb, it is probably an object complement.
- See if the sentence feels incomplete without this word or phrase—complements are needed for the sentence to “sound right.”
Tip: Linking verbs (is, am, are, was, were, become, seem, appear) often lead to subject complements.
Complement vs Object: Key Differences
Many students confuse complements and objects. This table makes it simple:
| Aspect | Object | Complement |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Receives the action of the verb | Completes or describes the subject/object |
| Example Sentence | She read the book. (“the book” is the object) |
She is a writer. (“a writer” is the complement) |
| Common Verbs | Action verbs | Linking verbs |
| Question to ask | What? or Whom? | What is the subject/object? |
Complement Examples in Sentences
See how complements work in real sentences. Complements are in italics here:
- Riya is happy. (subject complement: predicate adjective)
- The cake smells delicious. (subject complement)
- He became the leader. (subject complement: predicate nominative)
- The voters elected her president. (object complement)
- They found the room empty. (object complement: adjective)
- She is eager to learn. (adjective complement: infinitive phrase)
- I am proud that you succeeded. (adjective complement: clause)
- His claim that he was late surprised us. (noun complement: clause)
- We consider the task finished. (object complement: adjective)
- The soup tastes strange. (subject complement)
Practice: Identify the Complement
Try these questions. Write down the complement in each sentence.
- She became __________. (famous)
- They made the place __________. (beautiful)
- Her dream is __________. (to travel the world)
- He named his dog __________. (Max)
- This plan sounds __________. (interesting)
Common Mistakes and Confusions
- Confusing “complement” with “compliment”: “Complement” completes; “compliment” means praise.
- Mistaking objects for complements. Remember: objects get the action; complements finish the meaning.
- Forgetting that linking verbs often need complements.
- Thinking complements are always nouns—they can also be adjectives, clauses, or phrases.
Quick Revision Table: Complements in Grammar
| Type | Definition | Verb Used | Example | How to Spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject Complement | Describes subject | Linking verb | The soup is hot. | After linking verb |
| Object Complement | Describes object | Action verb | We named him John. | After object |
| Adjective Complement | Completes adjective | Any verb | She is afraid of dogs. | After adjective |
| Noun Complement | Completes noun | Any verb | The idea that he left. | After noun |
Complements are key elements in sentence structure. They help complete the meaning of subjects or objects. By understanding and identifying complements, you can write clearer, stronger English for school, exams, and everyday communication. For more grammar help, visit Vedantu’s topics on sentence structure or parts of speech.
FAQs on Complement in English Grammar: Definition, Types, and Examples
1. What is a complement in English grammar?
A complement in English grammar is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb, subject, or object within a sentence. It provides essential information to make the sentence grammatically complete.
2. What is the difference between a complement and an object?
The key difference lies in their function: an object receives the action of a verb (e.g., 'He kicked the ball'), while a complement completes or describes the subject or object (e.g., 'She is a doctor'). Complements are needed to complete the sentence's meaning.
3. What are the different types of complements?
English grammar features several complement types:
- Subject complements describe the subject (e.g., 'She is kind').
- Object complements describe the object (e.g., 'They painted the house blue').
- Predicate nominatives rename the subject (e.g., 'He is a teacher').
- Predicate adjectives describe the subject (e.g., 'The soup smells delicious').
4. What is the difference between 'complement' and 'compliment'?
While similar in spelling and pronunciation, 'complement' means to complete or enhance, while 'compliment' means to praise or flatter. Confusing these words is a common grammar mistake. Remember that complements complete sentences; compliments enhance someone's feeling.
5. How do I identify complements in a sentence?
Identifying complements involves looking for words or phrases that complete the meaning, often following linking verbs (is, are, was, were, seems, appears, etc.). They usually describe or rename the subject or object. For example, in 'The cake tastes delicious,' 'delicious' is the complement.
6. What are some examples of complements in sentences?
Here are examples showing different complement types:
- Subject Complement: 'He is a brilliant student.'
- Object Complement: 'They named their daughter Olivia.'
- Predicate Nominative: 'My ambition is to become a doctor.'
- Predicate Adjective: 'The flowers smell sweet.'
7. What are some common mistakes students make with complements?
Common mistakes include confusing complements with objects or adjectives. Students often misidentify words in complex sentences. Another common error is confusing 'complement' and 'compliment'. Focus on the meaning: does the word complete the sentence structure or express praise?
8. What are complements in immunology?
In immunology, 'complement' refers to a group of proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism. This is a different meaning from its grammatical sense, highlighting that the word's meaning is context-dependent.
9. What does 'its complement' mean?
The phrase 'its complement' depends on context. In grammar, it refers to the complement related to a particular subject or object within a clause. In mathematics, it might relate to a supplementary value. Without more context, the meaning isn't clear.
10. How are complements used in English sentences?
Complements are essential to the structure and meaning of many English sentences. They add crucial information about the subject or object, describing them or renaming them. They provide essential information, adding depth and clarity to the sentence and avoiding incompleteness.
11. What is the complement system?
The complement system is part of the immune system and is a cascade of proteins that work together to enhance antibody and phagocytic cell activity. It's a biological, not a grammatical, concept. The term 'complement' is used differently in these two contexts.
