What Is a Complement Types Rules and Examples
Complements in English grammar are words or groups of words that complete the meaning of a sentence. Understanding complements helps you write better sentences in school exams, competitive tests, and daily English. This concept is essential for building correct sentence structure and avoiding common writing mistakes.
| Type of Complement | What It Completes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Complement | Describes or renames the subject | Sarah is a doctor. (“a doctor” is the subject complement) |
| Object Complement | Describes or renames the object | They made her captain. (“captain” is the object complement) |
| Adjective Complement | Completes the meaning of an adjective | She is afraid of heights. (“of heights” is the adjective complement) |
| Noun Complement | Completes the meaning of a noun | His idea that everyone can win is unrealistic. (“that everyone can win” is the noun complement) |
What is a Complement in Grammar?
A complement in grammar is a word or group of words needed to complete the meaning of the subject or object of a sentence. Complements make sentences clear and complete. Without the right complement, a sentence can feel unfinished or confusing.
- Subject complements follow linking verbs (like “is”, “become”) and give information about the subject.
- Object complements follow direct objects to describe or rename them.
- Adjective and noun complements complete the meaning of adjectives or nouns.
For example: “She became tired.” (“tired” is the complement describing the subject “she”).
Types of Complements in English Grammar
There are several main types of complements in English. Learning each type helps you spot them in questions and sentence corrections.
- Subject Complement: Renames or describes the subject, usually after linking verbs. Example: “The sky became dark.”
- Object Complement: Renames or describes the object. Example: “They elected him president.”
- Predicate Nominative: A noun subject complement. Example: “My friend is a teacher.”
- Predicate Adjective: An adjective subject complement. Example: “He seems happy.”
- Adjective/Noun Complement: Completes the sense of an adjective or noun. Example: “She is eager to help.” / “The belief that he will win.”
How to Identify Complements in Sentences
Complements can be tricky to spot, especially in long or complex sentences. Follow these steps to identify them:
- Find the main verb in the sentence.
- Check what follows the verb:
- If it describes the subject and follows a linking verb, it is likely a subject complement.
- If it describes or renames the object after an action verb, it is probably an object complement.
- See if the sentence feels incomplete without this word or phrase—complements are needed for the sentence to “sound right.”
Tip: Linking verbs (is, am, are, was, were, become, seem, appear) often lead to subject complements.
Complement vs Object: Key Differences
Many students confuse complements and objects. This table makes it simple:
| Aspect | Object | Complement |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Receives the action of the verb | Completes or describes the subject/object |
| Example Sentence | She read the book. (“the book” is the object) |
She is a writer. (“a writer” is the complement) |
| Common Verbs | Action verbs | Linking verbs |
| Question to ask | What? or Whom? | What is the subject/object? |
Complement Examples in Sentences
See how complements work in real sentences. Complements are in italics here:
- Riya is happy. (subject complement: predicate adjective)
- The cake smells delicious. (subject complement)
- He became the leader. (subject complement: predicate nominative)
- The voters elected her president. (object complement)
- They found the room empty. (object complement: adjective)
- She is eager to learn. (adjective complement: infinitive phrase)
- I am proud that you succeeded. (adjective complement: clause)
- His claim that he was late surprised us. (noun complement: clause)
- We consider the task finished. (object complement: adjective)
- The soup tastes strange. (subject complement)
Practice: Identify the Complement
Try these questions. Write down the complement in each sentence.
- She became __________. (famous)
- They made the place __________. (beautiful)
- Her dream is __________. (to travel the world)
- He named his dog __________. (Max)
- This plan sounds __________. (interesting)
Common Mistakes and Confusions
- Confusing “complement” with “compliment”: “Complement” completes; “compliment” means praise.
- Mistaking objects for complements. Remember: objects get the action; complements finish the meaning.
- Forgetting that linking verbs often need complements.
- Thinking complements are always nouns—they can also be adjectives, clauses, or phrases.
Quick Revision Table: Complements in Grammar
| Type | Definition | Verb Used | Example | How to Spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject Complement | Describes subject | Linking verb | The soup is hot. | After linking verb |
| Object Complement | Describes object | Action verb | We named him John. | After object |
| Adjective Complement | Completes adjective | Any verb | She is afraid of dogs. | After adjective |
| Noun Complement | Completes noun | Any verb | The idea that he left. | After noun |
Complements are key elements in sentence structure. They help complete the meaning of subjects or objects. By understanding and identifying complements, you can write clearer, stronger English for school, exams, and everyday communication. For more grammar help, visit Vedantu’s topics on sentence structure or parts of speech.
FAQs on Complement in English Grammar Meaning and Use
1. What is a complement in English grammar?
A complement in English grammar is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a subject, verb, or object in a sentence. It gives necessary information that makes the sentence complete and meaningful.
- Complements often follow linking verbs like be, seem, become.
- They can also follow certain action verbs.
- Example: She is a teacher. ("a teacher" is the complement)
2. What are the types of complements in English?
The main types of complements in English are subject complements, object complements, and verb complements. Each type completes a different part of the sentence.
- Subject complement – follows a linking verb and describes the subject.
- Object complement – gives more information about the object.
- Verb complement – completes the meaning of the verb (often an infinitive or gerund).
3. What is a subject complement?
A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject. It provides essential information about the subject.
- It comes after verbs like is, are, was, become, seem.
- It can be a predicate nominative or predicate adjective.
- Example: The sky is blue. ("blue" describes the subject)
4. What is an object complement?
An object complement is a word or phrase that gives more information about the direct object of a verb. It describes or renames the object.
- It follows the direct object.
- It often appears with verbs like make, call, name, elect, consider.
- Example: They made her captain.
5. What is the difference between a complement and an object?
The main difference is that an object receives the action of the verb, while a complement completes or gives more information about the subject or object. An object answers “what?” or “whom?”, while a complement explains or identifies.
- Object: She reads books.
- Subject complement: She is a student.
- Object complement: They named him leader.
6. What is a verb complement?
A verb complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb, often following certain action verbs. It is required to make the sentence grammatically complete.
- It can be a to-infinitive: She wants to leave.
- It can be a gerund: He enjoys swimming.
- It can be a clause: I believe that he is honest.
7. How do you identify a complement in a sentence?
You can identify a complement by checking whether the sentence feels incomplete without it. Complements are necessary to complete the meaning of certain verbs.
- Find the verb in the sentence.
- Ask if the sentence needs more information to make sense.
- If removing the word makes the sentence incomplete, it is likely a complement.
8. What is the difference between a complement and an adjunct?
The key difference is that a complement is necessary for the sentence’s meaning, while an adjunct adds optional extra information. Removing a complement makes the sentence incomplete, but removing an adjunct does not.
- Complement: She put the book on the table. (Required)
- Adjunct: She read the book in the morning. (Optional time detail)
9. Can a complement be a clause?
Yes, a complement clause is a dependent clause that completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun. It often begins with words like that, if, whether or a wh-word.
- Example with verb: I think that she is right.
- Example with adjective: I am happy that you came.
- Example with noun: The fact that he lied surprised us.
10. Why are complements important in English sentences?
Complements are important because they complete the meaning of verbs and make sentences grammatically correct and clear. Without complements, many sentences would be incomplete or confusing.
- They clarify identity: She is my sister.
- They describe condition: He feels tired.
- They complete actions: She wants to study.
