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When learning English, understanding the structure of a sentence is essential for improving reading and writing skills. One of the core components is the complement, a word or phrase that adds meaning and clarity to a sentence. In this article, IDP will help you understand what a complement is and how to use it correctly.

1. What Is a Complement

A complement is a word, phrase, or clause that completes the meaning of another part of a sentence. Without it, the sentence may feel incomplete or unclear.

Example:

  • We should keep this planet clean and green. In this sentence, "clean and green" is the complement that adds meaning to the object "this planet."

2. Positions of Complements in a Sentence

The placement of a complement depends on its type. Below are two common positions:

Subject complement: Appears after linking verbs like forms of “to be.” Structure: Subject + Verb + Subject Complement

Examples:

  • Romeo and Juliet were a couple.

  • This sandwich tastes spicy.

Object complement: Follows a direct object to provide additional detail. Structure: Subject + Verb + Object + Object Complement

Examples:

  • The hot weather drives me crazy.

  • Many students find Math interesting.

3. Forms of Complements in English

Complements can take many forms, including words, phrases, or clauses. Here are the most common types:

3.1. Noun or Noun Phrase

Examples:

  • Love is an exploding cigar we willingly smoke.

  • Foreign Trade University is one of the prestigious universities in Vietnam.

3.2. Adjective

Examples:

  • My coworkers are really friendly.

  • My mother was very popular when she was young.

3.3. Gerund (V-ing)

Examples:

  • Do you mind cleaning up the table for me

  • My mother noticed the baby walking by himself.

3.4. Infinitive (to + V)

Examples:

  • She is forcing me to work this weekend.

  • The government should encourage people to protect the environment more.

3.5. Pronoun

Examples:

  • She can overcome the challenge herself.

  • I will move these chairs. Can you move those

3.6. Clause (S + V)

Examples:

  • I am thrilled that you are coming to visit.

  • The organizer will inform the participants when the event starts.

4. Complement Exercises in English

Exercise 1: Identify the complement in the following sentences

  1. She is such a positive person

  2. I feel a little dizzy right now

  3. She named the baby Janice

  4. I find them very pleasant

  5. I hope you get a better job in the future

  6. It seems a long time since I met you

  7. The dog barked before we even came to the door. He knew it was us

  8. He put the cake in the oven

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

My mother has become .................

A. Professional

B. Professionally

C. A professional sport player

D. The players of a professional sport

The employees made the product .................

A. Excellently

B. Excel

C. Excellent

D. Excelling

All employees are ................. with the policy of the company.

A. Cooperate

B. Cooperative

C. Cooperated

D. To cooperating

The investments in A movie is .................

A. Profit

B. Profitable

C. Profits

D. Profiting

The most important thing to remember is not ................. a torch with you.

A. To bring

B. Bring

C. That brings

D. Brings

The main problem is ................. they do not have an expert in this field.

A. Why

B. Which

C. None

D. That

Answer Key

Exercise 1

  1. such a positive person

  2. a little dizzy

  3. Janice

  4. very pleasant

  5. you get a better job in the future

  6. a long time since I met you

  7. it was us

  8. in the oven

Exercise 2

  1. C

  2. C

  3. B

  4. B

  5. A

  6. D

Master Complements and Boost Your IELTS Score with IDP

We hope this overview helps you clearly understand what complements are and how to use them in English sentences. For more grammar topics, visit the free resources and sample tests provided by IDP to get familiar with different question types.

In addition to at-home study materials, you can register for a free IELTS mock test with IDP. These mock tests help you practice the test structure and learn how to manage your time effectively. IDP also offers flexible options to take the IELTS test on computer according to your learning preferences.

When you are ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP today

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About this Article

Published on 22 May, 2024

About this Author

One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục