Complement

Definition

A complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a predicate in a sentence, often providing additional information about the subject or object. Complements can take various forms, including nouns, adjectives, and phrases, and they play an essential role in sentence structure by clarifying the relationship between different elements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Complements can be classified into different types, such as subject complements and object complements, depending on their function in the sentence.
2. In finite clauses, complements provide necessary information to complete the meaning of verbs, linking them to subjects or objects.
3. Non-finite clauses can also contain complements that add depth to the action or state being expressed by participles, gerunds, or infinitives.
4. Complements differ from modifiers; while modifiers add descriptive information, complements are essential for completing the thought of the predicate.
5. Understanding how complements work helps in analyzing sentence structure and improving clarity in writing.

Review Questions

• How do complements function differently in finite clauses compared to non-finite clauses?
  • In finite clauses, complements are crucial for completing the meaning of a verb, directly linking it to the subject or object. They ensure that the sentence expresses a complete thought. In non-finite clauses, such as those using gerunds or infinitives, complements still provide necessary detail but often serve more to clarify the action or state expressed rather than linking directly to a subject or object.
• Discuss the importance of recognizing complements when analyzing sentence structure.
  • Recognizing complements is vital for understanding how sentences convey meaning. Complements complete predicates and clarify relationships between subjects and objects. By identifying them, one can break down complex sentences into understandable parts, which aids in both comprehension and writing. This awareness also highlights how different sentence components interact with one another.
• Evaluate how a misunderstanding of complements could affect effective communication in writing.
  • A misunderstanding of complements can lead to vague or incomplete sentences, causing confusion for readers. If writers fail to include necessary complements, their sentences may lack clarity and leave readers unsure about what is being expressed. This issue can result in misinterpretation of ideas and weaken overall communication effectiveness. By ensuring that complements are correctly identified and used, writers enhance precision and clarity in their messages.

Related terms

Subject: The subject is the part of a sentence that indicates who or what is performing the action or being described.

Predicate: The predicate is the part of a sentence that expresses what happens to the subject, often including the verb and any complements.

Object: The object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb, often serving as a key component alongside complements.