Object complement

Definition

An object complement is a word or group of words that follows and modifies or renames a direct object, providing additional information about it. It completes the meaning of the verb and helps clarify or enhance the direct object, making it an essential element in understanding sentence structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Object complements can be nouns, pronouns, adjectives, or noun phrases that provide more detail about the direct object.
2. They typically follow the direct object in a sentence and are closely tied to the action of the verb, which influences their form and meaning.
3. Not all verbs can take an object complement; these complements are generally found with transitive verbs that require a direct object.
4. Common verbs that take object complements include 'make,' 'consider,' 'find,' and 'elect.'
5. In a sentence like 'They elected him president,' 'president' is an object complement that specifies what he was elected as.

Review Questions

• How do object complements differ from direct objects in terms of their function within a sentence?
  • Object complements differ from direct objects because while direct objects receive the action of the verb, object complements provide additional information about the direct object. For example, in the sentence 'They found the book interesting,' 'the book' is the direct object and 'interesting' serves as an object complement, giving us more context about the book.
• Discuss how the use of object complements can enhance clarity in complex sentences.
  • The use of object complements enhances clarity in complex sentences by specifying or elaborating on the direct object, thus providing richer detail. For instance, in 'She considers him a genius,' 'a genius' as an object complement clarifies how she views 'him,' making it easier for readers to understand the relationship between them. Without this complement, the sentence would lack important context.
• Evaluate the impact of misusing object complements on sentence meaning and overall communication effectiveness.
  • Misusing object complements can significantly alter sentence meaning and hinder effective communication. For example, if one mistakenly uses an incorrect form or omits an essential object complement, it may confuse readers about who or what is being described. This could lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity. Therefore, correctly identifying and using object complements is crucial for clear expression of ideas.

Related terms

direct object: A noun or noun phrase that receives the action of the verb in a sentence.

subject complement:

A word or group of words that follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject.

predicate:

The part of a sentence that tells what the subject does or is, usually including the verb and any complements.