Make

Definition

'Make' is a versatile verb in English that often conveys the idea of causing something to happen, creating something, or bringing about a change. In the context of subject and object complements, 'make' serves as a linking verb that connects the subject to a complement that describes or renames it, providing clarity and depth to the sentence's meaning. Understanding how 'make' operates within these constructs is essential for recognizing the relationships between subjects, objects, and their complements in sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Make' can be used to form both subject complements and object complements in sentences, allowing for flexibility in expression.
2. 'Make' often implies a transformation or change in state, which can be highlighted when used with adjectives or nouns as complements.
3. When 'make' is used as a transitive verb, it requires an object complement to complete its meaning and convey what the object has been made into.
4. 'Make' can take various forms (such as made, making) depending on the tense being used in the sentence.
5. 'Make' is commonly found in idiomatic expressions, demonstrating its versatility beyond traditional grammatical roles.

Review Questions

• How does 'make' function as a linking verb in relation to subject and object complements?
  • 'Make' functions as a linking verb by connecting the subject to a subject complement that describes or renames it. For example, in the sentence 'They made her president,' 'made' links 'they' to 'president,' which is an object complement that identifies what 'her' has become. This highlights the relationship between the action of making and the resulting identity or state.
• What are the implications of using 'make' with different types of complements in enhancing sentence meaning?
  • 'Make' enhances sentence meaning by allowing for a dynamic relationship between subjects and their complements. When paired with a subject complement, it clarifies the identity or state of the subject. In contrast, when used with an object complement, it elaborates on what has been done to the object. This duality enriches communication by providing more context and depth regarding transformations or changes.
• Evaluate the role of 'make' within complex sentences involving multiple complements and how this affects overall comprehension.
  • 'Make' plays a crucial role in complex sentences by coordinating multiple complements that elaborate on various aspects of subjects and objects. For instance, in 'The committee made John the lead organizer,' 'made' links 'committee' to 'John,' while 'the lead organizer' serves as an object complement explaining John's new role. This intricate connection helps convey layered meanings and relationships within the sentence, aiding comprehension by clarifying how different elements interact and evolve through actions indicated by 'make.'

Related terms

Subject Complement: 'A subject complement is a word or group of words that follows a linking verb and provides additional information about the subject, often describing or identifying it.'

Object Complement: 'An object complement is a word or phrase that follows and modifies or renames a direct object, providing more detail about it.'

Linking Verb: 'A linking verb connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement, establishing a relationship of equivalence or description between them.'