What Is an Object Complement Definition Rules Types and Examples
Understanding object complements in English grammar helps students write clear, complete sentences for exams, essays, and speaking tasks. Object complements add important information about the direct object, making your meaning precise. At Vedantu, we break down this topic simply so every learner can master complex sentence structures and improve both spoken and written English.
| Sentence | Verb | Direct Object | Object Complement |
|---|---|---|---|
| We elected Sumit captain. | elected | Sumit | captain |
| She made the dress beautiful. | made | the dress | beautiful |
| They named the ship Titan. | named | the ship | Titan |
What is an Object Complement?
An object complement is a word or phrase that describes or renames the direct object. This part of a sentence gives extra meaning, making your writing clearer and more exact. Object complements are common in exam questions and in daily English use.
- Example: We painted the wall blue. ("the wall" = direct object, "blue" = object complement)
- Example: The team elected Maria leader. ("Maria" = direct object, "leader" = object complement)
How to Identify Object Complements
Object complements come right after the direct object and further describe or rename it. They appear most often with certain verbs that mean "make", "name", "call", or "find". Recognizing these structures is important for school exams and sentence correction tasks.
- Look for a word after the object that gives more information about it.
- Check if removing the complement leaves the sentence incomplete or changes the meaning.
| Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| make | They made him captain. |
| call | We call our dog Bruno. |
| name | Parents named the baby Sara. |
| consider | I consider this movie boring. |
| find | We found the room empty. |
Types of Object Complements
Object complements can be different parts of speech. Knowing these types helps with error spotting and sentence transformation in exams like Class 8 or Class 10 English grammar papers.
- Noun: They elected Rahul president. ("president" renames "Rahul")
- Adjective: The judge found him guilty. ("guilty" describes "him")
- Noun Phrase: She made the class star performers. ("star performers" renames "the class")
- Adjective Phrase: We left him very upset. ("very upset" describes "him")
- Clause: I consider the story what kids need. ("what kids need" explains "the story")
Object Complement vs Other Sentence Elements
Students often mix up object complements with subject complements, adverbs, or indirect objects. This table shows the main differences and clarifies how each works in a sentence.
| Element | Follows | Describes/Renames | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Object Complement | Direct Object | Direct Object | They named the puppy Max. |
| Subject Complement | Linking Verb | Subject | The boy is clever. |
| Adverb | Verb | Verb/Clause | She spoke quickly. |
| Indirect Object | Verb | Receives Direct Object | He gave her a gift. |
Object Complement Examples in Sentences
Here are more object complement examples with the object and complement highlighted. Practising these helps with quick identification and sentence writing.
- I found the task easy.
- They called the child genius.
- We consider Riya honest.
- She made the essay perfect.
- The group chose him leader.
- The movie left us confused.
- He painted his bike red.
- The teacher named Sam monitor.
- We kept the room clean.
- She declared the plan a success.
Common Verbs That Take Object Complements
Not every verb works with object complements. Here are verbs you’re likely to see in exam questions or exercises:
- make
- call
- name
- find
- consider
- appoint
- elect
- declare
- paint
- keep
- choose
- leave
Practice Sentences: Identify the Object Complement
Try finding the object complement in each sentence. This builds confidence for school and competitive English tests.
- I consider this story inspiring.
- They elected Sima vice-captain.
- The joke made us happy.
- The audience found the speech interesting.
- The teacher called Rohit talented.
Quick Tips to Avoid Mistakes with Object Complements
- Never use object complements after linking verbs like "is" or "are"—those are for subject complements.
- Remember: Object complements must refer to and describe or rename the direct object.
- Not all transitive verbs allow an object complement. Learn common ones from exam lists.
- If removing the supposed complement changes or weakens the meaning, it’s likely needed.
- Practice with sentences from past exams and use Vedantu’s grammar quizzes for extra help.
Related Grammar Topics for Practice
- Subject and Predicate
- Linking, Intransitive & Transitive Verbs
- Noun Phrase
- Subject Complement
- Sentence Structure Quiz
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Parts of Speech
- Types of Sentences
- Transformation of Sentences
To sum up, object complements are words or phrases that rename or describe the direct object in a sentence. They help make your writing clearer and your sentences complete. Learn to spot and use object complements with Vedantu’s guides to get an edge in school, exams, and clear communication every day.
FAQs on Object Complement in English Grammar Explained
1. What is an object complement in English grammar?
An object complement is a word or phrase that gives more information about the direct object and completes its meaning. It usually follows the direct object in a sentence.
- Structure: Subject + Verb + Direct Object + Object Complement
- Example: They elected her president.
- Here, “president” renames or describes “her.”
2. How do you identify an object complement in a sentence?
You can identify an object complement by checking if it follows a direct object and describes or renames it. Ask: “What did they call/make/consider the object?”
- Find the direct object.
- See if a word after it gives extra meaning about it.
- Example: The teacher called him lazy. (“lazy” describes “him.”)
3. What is the difference between an object complement and a subject complement?
The main difference is that a subject complement describes the subject, while an object complement describes the direct object.
- Subject complement follows a linking verb: She is happy.
- Object complement follows a transitive verb: They made her happy.
4. Which verbs are commonly used with object complements?
Common verbs that take an object complement include verbs of naming, making, choosing, and considering.
- Make: She made him captain.
- Call: They called the baby Emma.
- Name: We named the dog Max.
- Elect: They elected her president.
- Consider: I consider him smart.
5. Can an object complement be an adjective?
Yes, an object complement can be an adjective that describes the direct object.
- Example: The news made her sad.
- Example: They painted the wall blue.
6. Can an object complement be a noun?
Yes, an object complement can be a noun that renames the direct object.
- Example: They elected him chairman.
- Example: She called her friend a genius.
7. What is the difference between a direct object and an object complement?
A direct object receives the action of the verb, while an object complement gives more information about that object.
- Direct object answers “what?” or “whom?”
- Object complement answers “what about it?”
- Example: They made her leader. (“her” = direct object; “leader” = object complement)
8. Are object complements always necessary in a sentence?
No, object complements are only necessary with certain verbs that require additional meaning.
- With complement: They made him captain.
- Without complement (incomplete meaning): They made him.
9. What are some common mistakes with object complements?
A common mistake is confusing an object complement with an adverb or indirect object.
- Incorrect: She made him quickly. (Adverb, not complement)
- Correct: She made him manager.
- Incorrect confusion: She gave him a gift. (“him” is an indirect object, not a complement)
10. Can you give more examples of sentences with object complements?
Yes, sentences with an object complement show a direct object followed by a word that renames or describes it.
- The jury found him guilty.
- We chose her team leader.
- The joke drove him crazy.
- They kept the door open.
