1. Complement Notes

2. Introduction to Complements Sometimes just a subject and a verb by themselves will express a complete thought. Examples: Rain fell. Birds sang. Often, however, a subject and verb alone will not express a complete thought. Examples: Tracy wrapped… That is… He seems…

3. The previous examples need other words to complete the thoughts begun by the subjects and verbs. These other words are called complements. A complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a subject and verb. Complements usually appear right after the verb or very close to it. Most complements are nouns, pronouns, or adjectives.

4. Direct Objects A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb. A direct object follows an action verb. You can find the direct object by asking what? or whom? after the action verb. Formula for finding DO: subject + verb + what? or whom? = direct object Examples: My older brother grew a beard. The mayor rewarded the detective.

5. Direct objects can also be compound. Examples: At the fair I bought a book and a scarf. The principal chose Thomas, Kayla, and Sarah. What is the direct object in the following sentences? Today, I met Dr. Mason. That shop makes small parts for jet engines.

6. A direct object is never an adverb or the noun or pronoun at the end of a prepositional phrase. These can also follow an action verb, so look carefully at the word to determine what it is doing in the sentence. Examples: Tim left the room. Tim left happily. Tim left in the morning.

7. Many sentences will have a number of different words after the verb. Notice how it is possible to combine the three sentences just discussed in this pattern. Subject + action verb + direct object + adverb + prepositional phrase Tim left the room happily in the morning.

8. A direct object in a question will sometimes be found near the beginning of the sentence, before the verb. If you find it hard to locate the direct object in a question, put the sentence in normal word order. Examples: Inverted OrderNormal order What has she taken from you?She has taken what from you Which shirt do you like?You do like which shirt

9. Indirect Objects An indirect object is only found in a sentence that has a direct object. An indirect object is a noun or pronoun that follows an action verb and comes before a direct object. It names a person or thing that something is given to or done for. Always look for the direct object first in a sentence. Then look for the indirect object before it.

10. An indirect object answers the questions to or for whom? or to or for what? Examples: Lucy told him the news. I gave each paper a number. Most sentences with indirect objects will follow the pattern: Subject + action verb + indirect object + direct object Example: Mrs. Lewis baked her family a cake.

11. An indirect object will almost always come between the verb and the direct object. Like direct objects, indirect objects can be compound. Example: He gave Robin and Emily their assignments. Do not confuse the indirect object with object of the preposition. Examples: Bill gave them a map. Bill gave a map to them. Be sure to remember that direct objects and indirect objects follow action verbs!

12. Subject Complements Subject complements complete the meaning of a linking verb or describe the subject. Nouns and pronouns used as subject complements are called predicate nouns and predicate pronouns. Adjectives used as subject complements are called predicate adjectives. Subject complements cannot be found in a prepositional phrase.

13. Predicate Nominatives Predicate nouns or pronouns are called predicate nominatives. A predicate noun or pronoun is a noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and explains or identifies the subject of the sentence. Examples: Barbara is a talented artist. The capitol of Alabama is Montgomery. The leader will be John.

14. Predicate Adjectives A linking verb may also be followed by a predicate adjective. A predicate adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject of the sentence. Examples: Her story seems strange to us. Clipper ships were graceful.

15. Subject complements can also be compound. That is, a linking verb may be followed by two or more predicate nouns, pronouns, or adjectives. Examples: The living room looks warm and cozy. The two musicians were Kevin and he.