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Subject complements are a key part of English grammar that help us better understand a sentence. A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and gives more information about the subject. It can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that completes the meaning of the subject by either describing or renaming it. In this article, we will learn what subject complements are, their role in sentences, and the different types they can take.
What is a Subject Complement?
A subject complement is a word or group of words that comes after a linking verb and adds information about the subject. Linking verbs, such as is, are, seem, or become, work like an equal sign between the subject and the complement. The complement tells us more about the subject or renames it, making the sentence clearer and more descriptive.
For example:
- Muhammad is a teacher. (The subject complement is “a teacher” and it renames the subject, Muhammad.)
- Fatima looks happy. (The subject complement is “happy” and it describes the subject, Fatima.)
Role of Subject Complements in Sentence Structure
Subject complements play an important role in sentence structure by providing extra information about the subject. They are used to either rename or describe the subject, helping the reader or listener understand more about it. Subject complements only follow linking verbs. Unlike other parts of a sentence, they do not show action but instead explain or identify the subject.
For example:
- Aisha is a doctor. (Here, “a doctor” renames the subject, Aisha.)
- The flowers smell beautiful. (Here, “beautiful” describes the subject, flowers.)
Types of Subject Complements
There are two main types of subject complements: Predicate Nominative and Predicate Adjective.
Predicate Nominative
A predicate nominative is a noun or pronoun that comes after a linking verb and gives a new name to the subject. It helps to identify the subject more clearly.
Examples:
- Ali is a student. (Here, “a student” is the predicate nominative, renaming the subject Ali.)
- The winners are they. (Here, “they” is the predicate nominative, renaming the subject, winners.)
Predicate Adjective
A predicate adjective is an adjective that comes after a linking verb and describes the subject. It adds details about what the subject is like.
Examples:
- The sky looks clear. (Here, “clear” is the predicate adjective describing the subject, sky.)
- Zainab felt tired. (Here, “tired” is the predicate adjective describing the subject, Zainab.)
Examples of Subject Complements in Sentences
Here are some more examples of subject complements used in sentences:
- Bilal became a doctor after years of studying. (Predicate nominative)
- The soup tastes delicious. (Predicate adjective)
- Ahmad is a good friend. (Predicate nominative)
- The cat seems hungry. (Predicate adjective)
- Sara remains calm even in stressful situations. (Predicate adjective)
Subject Complements vs. Object Complements
It’s important to know the difference between subject complements and object complements because they have different roles in sentences.
- Subject Complement: Comes after a linking verb and gives information about the subject.
- Example: Hassan is a teacher. (“a teacher” tells us about the subject, Hassan.)
- Object Complement: Comes after and modifies or renames the object of the verb.
- Example: They called her a genius. (“a genius” tells us more about the object, her.)
Subject complements relate to the subject, while object complements give extra information about the object of the verb.
Summary
Subject complements are an important part of English grammar that help add meaning to the subject of a sentence. They either rename the subject (predicate nominative) or describe it (predicate adjective). Learning how to use subject complements correctly can make your sentences clearer and more informative. Remember, subject complements only follow linking verbs, and they help complete the meaning of the subject.
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