Subject Complement

Definition

A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject of the sentence. This element is crucial as it provides additional information about the subject, helping to complete the meaning of the sentence. Subject complements can take the form of predicate nominatives or predicate adjectives, linking back to the subject through the use of verbs like 'to be' and other linking verbs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subject complements are essential for completing the meaning of sentences with linking verbs, as they clarify what the subject is or what state it is in.
2. A subject complement can be either a predicate nominative or a predicate adjective, depending on whether it renames or describes the subject.
3. The presence of a linking verb is necessary for a subject complement to function correctly in a sentence, as it establishes the relationship between the subject and the complement.
4. In English grammar, common linking verbs include forms of 'to be' (is, are) as well as verbs like 'become' and 'seem'.
5. Understanding how to identify and use subject complements can enhance sentence structure and clarity in both writing and speaking.

Review Questions

• How do subject complements function in a sentence with a linking verb?
  • Subject complements serve to provide essential information about the subject when linked by a verb. They either rename the subject as in predicate nominatives or describe its qualities as in predicate adjectives. This connection is vital for understanding the full meaning of the sentence, as without a complement, the action or state described by the linking verb would be incomplete.
• Compare and contrast predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives as types of subject complements.
  • Predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives both serve as subject complements but fulfill different roles. A predicate nominative renames the subject by providing another noun that identifies it, while a predicate adjective describes the subject's qualities or state. For example, in 'She is a teacher', 'teacher' is a predicate nominative, whereas in 'He is tall', 'tall' functions as a predicate adjective. Understanding this distinction helps clarify how each type enriches sentence meaning.
• Evaluate the role of subject complements in enhancing clarity within complex sentences.
  • Subject complements play a significant role in enhancing clarity in complex sentences by providing critical information that connects various elements. For instance, in a sentence like 'The cake is delicious', the predicate adjective 'delicious' not only describes 'the cake' but also conveys an important attribute that helps readers visualize it better. Moreover, in longer sentences with multiple clauses, clear identification of subject complements aids comprehension by ensuring that readers grasp how each part relates to the main subject, thereby improving overall sentence clarity.

Related terms

Predicate Nominative: A noun or noun phrase that follows a linking verb and renames the subject, providing identity or clarification.

Predicate Adjective: An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject, offering additional information about its state or quality.

Linking Verb: A verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement, without showing action; examples include 'is', 'are', 'was', and 'seem'.