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
She is such a positive person
I feel a little dizzy right now
She named the baby Janice
I find them very pleasant
I hope you get a better job in the future
It seems a long time since I met you
The dog barked before we even came to the door. He knew it was us
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
such a positive person
a little dizzy
Janice
very pleasant
you get a better job in the future
a long time since I met you
it was us
in the oven
Exercise 2
C
C
B
B
A
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.
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