Complement is the word added to complete an incomplete sentence.
Subject complement is the word that follow a linking verb and identify or describe the subject.
Linking verb: is, am, are, was, were, appear, become, feel, look, remain, sound, taste, grow, etc.
There are two kinds of subject complements:
- If the subject complement is a noun or pronoun, it is a predicate nominative. Predicate nominatives (nouns and pronouns) explain the subject or give another name for the subject.
- If the subject complement is an adjective, it is a predicate adjective. Predicate adjective describe the subject.
Examples:
- Joe is a gourmet.
- noun subject complement (a gourmet) after verb be (is).
- Joe became a gourmet.
- noun subject complement (a gourmet) after linking verb (became).
- The meatballs are delicious.
- adjective subject complement (delicious) after verb of being (are).
- The meatballs taste delicious.
- adjective subject complement (delicious) after linking verb (taste).
Practice:
Task: Find the subject complement.
Hint: look for the linking verb to help you find the subject complement.
Compiled and written by @sherlydarmali for @EnglishTips4U on Sunday, November 6, 2016
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^MQ