Subject complements

Definition

Subject complements are words or phrases that follow a linking verb and provide additional information about the subject of the sentence. They can be nouns, pronouns, or adjectives that serve to complete the meaning of the subject and are essential in understanding the relationship between the subject and the verb.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subject complements are critical for completing the meaning of sentences with linking verbs, like 'is', 'are', 'was', and 'were'.
2. They can be either predicate nominatives or predicate adjectives, depending on whether they rename the subject or describe it.
3. In English, subject complements must agree in number with the subject they refer to; for example, 'The dog is friendly' uses 'friendly' as a predicate adjective complement.
4. Subject complements provide clarity and depth to sentences, allowing for more complex ideas to be expressed.
5. Understanding how to correctly identify and use subject complements can significantly improve sentence structure and overall writing quality.

Review Questions

• How do subject complements function within a sentence, and what is their relationship with linking verbs?
  • Subject complements function as essential elements that complete the meaning of a sentence by providing additional information about the subject. They always follow linking verbs, which connect them to the subject. For example, in the sentence 'She is a teacher,' 'a teacher' is the subject complement that renames 'she' and gives clarity to her identity.
• Differentiate between predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives as types of subject complements.
  • Predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives serve different functions as subject complements. A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that renames or identifies the subject, such as in 'He is a doctor.' In contrast, a predicate adjective describes the subject's qualities, as seen in 'The sky is blue.' Both provide essential information but do so in distinct ways.
• Evaluate the importance of subject complements in enhancing sentence structure and clarity in writing.
  • Subject complements are vital for enhancing sentence structure because they provide necessary details that clarify the subject's identity or characteristics. By effectively using subject complements, writers can convey more complex ideas and create more engaging sentences. This not only improves clarity but also enriches overall writing quality by allowing for more nuanced expression and avoiding ambiguity.

Related terms

Linking verb: A verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, indicating a state of being rather than an action.

Predicate nominative: A specific type of subject complement that is a noun or pronoun referring back to the subject, providing identification or renaming.

Predicate adjective: A type of subject complement that is an adjective describing the subject, providing more detail about its qualities or characteristics.