Object complement

Definition

An object complement is a grammatical term referring to a word or phrase that follows and modifies or refers to a direct object. It adds more detail or information about the object, often describing its state or identity. Object complements work closely with verbs, providing clarity to the action being taken and completing the meaning of the sentence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Object complements can be nouns, pronouns, or adjectives, providing additional information about the direct object.
2. In sentences like 'They elected him president,' 'president' serves as an object complement by renaming the direct object 'him.'
3. Object complements are often found in sentences with verbs that imply a change of state or identity, such as 'make,' 'consider,' and 'name.'
4. The presence of an object complement can change the meaning of a sentence by specifying how an action affects the direct object.
5. Not all sentences with direct objects require an object complement; it is only necessary when additional clarification about the object is needed.

Review Questions

• How do object complements function in relation to direct objects in a sentence?
  • Object complements provide essential information about direct objects by describing or renaming them. For instance, in the sentence 'They called her a genius,' 'a genius' serves as an object complement that explains what 'her' has been identified as. This connection enriches our understanding of the action and ensures clarity in communication.
• What is the difference between an object complement and a subject complement, and how do they relate to different types of verbs?
  • Object complements follow and modify direct objects, while subject complements follow linking verbs and provide information about the subject. Object complements are typically found with verbs that indicate an action leading to a change in identity or state, such as 'consider' or 'name.' On the other hand, subject complements are used with linking verbs like 'is' or 'seem,' connecting back to the subject without indicating action.
• Evaluate how the use of an object complement can alter the meaning of a sentence and give an example illustrating this effect.
  • The use of an object complement can significantly change how we interpret a sentence by adding depth and specificity. For example, consider the sentence 'They painted the house blue.' Here, 'blue' as an object complement clarifies what kind of painting occurred. Without it, we would not know what action was taken regarding 'the house.' By providing this extra layer of meaning, object complements help convey precise information about actions and states.

Related terms

direct object: A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb, answering the question 'what?' or 'whom?' after the verb.

subject complement: A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and provides additional information about the subject of the sentence.

predicate:

A predicate is the part of a sentence or clause that tells something about the subject, including the verb and any object complements.