Subject Complement

Definition

A subject complement is a word or group of words that follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject of the sentence. It is essential for providing additional information about the subject and can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective. This element plays a crucial role in understanding sentence structure and meaning, linking the subject with its attributes or identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Subject complements can be categorized into two types: predicate nominatives (which are nouns or pronouns) and predicate adjectives (which describe the subject).
2. Common linking verbs include forms of 'to be' such as 'is,' 'are,' 'was,' and 'were,' as well as verbs like 'seem,' 'become,' and 'appear.'
3. In sentences with subject complements, the complement must agree in number with the subject (e.g., singular subjects take singular complements).
4. Subject complements help to clarify meaning and can change how we perceive the subject based on their descriptive qualities.
5. In questions or negative sentences, identifying the subject complement remains crucial for understanding how the subject is characterized.

Review Questions

• How does a subject complement function in relation to linking verbs in a sentence?
  • A subject complement works closely with linking verbs to provide essential information about the subject. When a linking verb is used, the subject complement follows it and can either rename or describe the subject. For example, in the sentence 'She is a doctor,' 'a doctor' serves as the subject complement, giving more context about who 'she' is. Understanding this relationship helps clarify how meaning is constructed in sentences.
• Compare and contrast predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives as types of subject complements.
  • Predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives are both types of subject complements, but they serve different purposes. A predicate nominative renames the subject using a noun or pronoun, as seen in 'He is a teacher,' where 'teacher' identifies 'he.' In contrast, a predicate adjective describes the subject's qualities, such as in 'The sky is blue,' where 'blue' provides an attribute of 'the sky.' Both types enrich our understanding of the subject, but they do so in distinct ways.
• Evaluate the importance of subject complements in constructing meaningful sentences and enhancing communication.
  • Subject complements are vital for creating clarity and depth in communication. By linking subjects to their descriptions or identities through linking verbs, they provide necessary context that helps listeners or readers grasp the intended meaning. Without them, sentences could become vague or confusing. For example, simply stating 'She is' lacks substance until we add a subject complement like 'a brilliant scientist,' which offers specific insight into who she is. Thus, effective use of subject complements enhances both writing and speech.

Related terms

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

Predicate: The part of a sentence that tells something about the subject, which includes the verb and any complements or modifiers.

Noun Complement: A specific type of subject complement that renames the subject, often functioning as a noun or pronoun.