Subject Complements Follow Linking Verbs

Definition

Subject complements are words or phrases that follow linking verbs and serve to rename or describe the subject of the sentence. These complements are essential for completing the meaning of the linking verb, providing clarity about what the subject is or what state it is in.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common linking verbs include 'is', 'are', 'was', 'were', 'seem', and 'become', which are crucial for connecting subjects to their complements.
2. Subject complements can be either predicate nominatives or predicate adjectives, providing different types of information about the subject.
3. Unlike direct objects, which follow action verbs, subject complements always follow linking verbs and refer back to the subject.
4. The placement of subject complements in a sentence can affect clarity; they must immediately follow the linking verb for proper meaning.
5. Identifying subject complements can help in understanding sentence structure and the relationship between subjects and verbs.

Review Questions

• How do subject complements function in sentences with linking verbs?
  • Subject complements provide essential information about the subject by renaming or describing it. They always follow linking verbs, completing the thought initiated by the verb. For instance, in the sentence 'She is a teacher,' 'a teacher' serves as a subject complement that gives more detail about 'She,' thereby clarifying her identity.
• What are the differences between predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives as types of subject complements?
  • Predicate nominatives rename the subject using nouns or pronouns, while predicate adjectives describe the subject using adjectives. For example, in 'The sky is blue,' 'blue' is a predicate adjective that describes 'sky.' In contrast, in 'He is a doctor,' 'doctor' is a predicate nominative that renames 'He.' Understanding this difference helps in identifying how each type contributes to sentence meaning.
• Evaluate how mastering the use of subject complements can improve overall writing clarity and effectiveness.
  • Mastering the use of subject complements enhances writing clarity by ensuring that readers understand exactly what is being conveyed about subjects. By correctly using linking verbs and their complements, writers can avoid ambiguity and convey precise meanings. This skill is especially important in complex sentences where clear relationships between subjects and descriptors need to be established to maintain reader engagement and comprehension.

Related terms

Linking Verb: A verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement, often indicating a state of being or condition.

Predicate Nominative: A specific type of subject complement that renames the subject and is typically a noun or pronoun.

Predicate Adjective: A type of subject complement that describes the subject and is usually an adjective, following a linking verb.