Object complements - Sentence Parts in Grammar Lessons
Object complements - Sentence Parts English Grammar
An object complement is a noun, pronoun, or adjective that follows a direct object and renames or describes it. There are two types of object complements:
Predicate Nouns:
These are nouns that follow a linking verb and rename the subject.
Examples:
- The police made him a suspect. (The noun "suspect" renames the pronoun "him" and is the predicate noun.)
- She looks beautiful. (The noun "beautiful" renames the pronoun "she" and is the predicate noun.)
Predicate Adjectives:
These are adjectives that follow a linking verb and describe the subject.
Examples:
- The pie smells delicious. (The adjective "delicious" describes the noun "pie" and is the predicate adjective.)
- He seems tired. (The adjective "tired" describes the pronoun "he" and is the predicate adjective.)
Practical uses for object complements include adding more information about the direct object in a sentence and making the meaning of the verb clearer.
Examples:
- She painted the room blue. (Without the object complement "blue," it is unclear what color the room was painted.)
- They elected him president. (Without the object complement "president," it is unclear what position was given to him.)
Special cases and challenges to consider when using object complements.
Double object complements:
These occur when a verb has two direct objects, each with its own object complement.
Example:
- She gave her mother a necklace and earrings for her birthday. (The verb "gave" has two direct objects: "necklace" and "earrings." The object complement "a necklace" renames the direct object "necklace," and the object complement "earrings" renames the direct object "earrings.")
Compound object complements:
These occur when a verb has two or more object complements that are joined by a conjunction.
Example:
- She appointed him chairman and CEO. (The verb "appointed" has two object complements: "chairman" and "CEO." Both object complements rename the direct object "him.")
Omitting object complements:
In some cases, it is possible to omit the object complement if the meaning is clear without it.
Example:
- She made (a cake) for the party. (The object "cake" is understood, so the object complement "a cake" can be omitted.)
Comprehension exercises Object complements - Sentence Parts:
- Identify the object complement in the following sentence: "The teacher called the student intelligent."
Answer: The adjective "intelligent" is the object complement. It describes the direct object "student."
- Choose the correct sentence: a) She appointed him chairman of the board. b) She appointed chairman of the board him.
Answer: a) She appointed him chairman of the board.
- Identify the object complement in the following sentence: "They made the cake chocolate."
Answer: The adjective "chocolate" is the object complement. It describes the direct object "cake."
- Choose the correct sentence: a) She gave her mother a necklace for her birthday. b) She gave a necklace for her mother's birthday.
Answer: a) She gave her mother a necklace for her birthday.
- Complete the following sentence: "The judges declared the defendant ___________."
Answer: The judges declared the defendant guilty.