Complementation

Definition

Complementation refers to the relationship between a verb and its associated elements, which complete the meaning of that verb. In language structure, it plays a crucial role in linking subordinate clauses to main clauses within complex sentences, helping to provide additional information or detail necessary for full comprehension.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Complementation is essential for the construction of complex sentences, as it allows verbs to connect with subordinate clauses that expand on the main idea.
2. The type of complementation can vary depending on the verb used; some verbs require specific types of complements, like noun phrases or infinitive clauses.
3. In Old English, verb complementation often involved the use of specific conjunctions to introduce subordinate clauses, reflecting the syntactic structures of the time.
4. Complementation helps clarify relationships between ideas by indicating causality, condition, or time within complex sentences.
5. Recognizing different forms of complementation can enhance understanding of sentence structure and meaning, especially when analyzing literary texts.

Review Questions

• How does complementation function in constructing complex sentences?
  • Complementation plays a vital role in constructing complex sentences by linking verbs to subordinate clauses that provide additional context. This relationship allows for the elaboration of ideas presented in the main clause. By including subordinate clauses through complementation, sentences can convey more nuanced meanings and relationships between actions or states.
• What are some examples of verbs that typically require specific forms of complementation, and how do these affect sentence structure?
  • Certain verbs demand particular forms of complementation to convey their intended meaning. For example, verbs like 'suggest' may require an infinitive form, while 'believe' might take a noun clause. This requirement shapes sentence structure by dictating how information is organized and presented. Recognizing these patterns helps clarify the grammatical relationships within sentences.
• Evaluate the impact of complementation on understanding thematic elements in Old English literature.
  • Complementation significantly affects how thematic elements are expressed in Old English literature by allowing authors to create complex sentences that convey rich layers of meaning. The use of subordinate clauses enables writers to explore intricate relationships between characters, actions, and settings. Analyzing these structures enhances comprehension of the text's themes, as it reveals how ideas are interwoven and conveyed through language.

Related terms

Subordinate Clause: A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence and typically begins with a subordinating conjunction, adding dependent information to the main clause.

Main Clause: A group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, expressing a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

Complex Sentence: A sentence that contains at least one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses, allowing for more intricate expressions of ideas.